A total of 103 small-scale miners in Umzingwane have graduated from a practical mining safety training programme conducted by Namib Minerals’ How Mine, in an initiative aimed at improving safety standards and supporting the formalisation of the sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The first cohort received certificates at a graduation ceremony held in Esigodini, with National Assembly Member for Umzingwane and Deputy Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Levi Mayihlome, officiating.
The inaugural programme focused on practical skills designed to help small-scale miners identify and manage common risks associated with mining operations.
Training covered ground support, hazard identification, shaft flooding prevention, emergency response, underground gas testing and regulatory compliance.
Participants were also introduced to the processes involved in registering mining claims and obtaining the necessary blasting qualifications and licences.
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mayihlome said mining presented significant economic opportunities but required adequate knowledge, equipment and safety systems to minimise risks.
He said the decision to work with How Mine was informed by the value of practical experience gained through operating an established mine.
“We approached How Mine because we recognised the value of practical experience. There is knowledge that can be found in textbooks and classrooms, but there is also invaluable knowledge that comes from years of operating a mine, managing workers, dealing with mining risks and implementing safety systems,” he said.
Mayihlome commended Namib Minerals for making How Mine’s technical expertise available to miners in surrounding communities, saying such partnerships could help address the cost and accessibility challenges associated with formal mining training.
“How Mine has generously made its expertise available to our artisanal miners. We are particularly grateful for this demonstration of selfless corporate social responsibility. Your contribution goes beyond providing training; you are contributing to safer communities,” he said.
How Mine Manager Ophir Gwede said the programme was designed to address practical knowledge gaps among small-scale miners and reduce preventable accidents.
“How Mine’s goal is to bridge the knowledge gap, minimise preventable operational hazards, and empower local miners with the tools and regulatory insights required to operate safely, legally, and sustainably,” Gwede said.
The training comes as the Government continues efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining and improve safety across the sector.
Small-scale mining remains an important source of livelihoods and mineral production in Zimbabwe, but operators often face challenges relating to technical skills, access to finance, appropriate equipment and compliance with mining regulations.
Mayihlome also highlighted Namib Minerals’ wider community initiatives in Umzingwane and Bulawayo, including the construction of classroom blocks, clinic electrification, provision of borehole water and donations of medical equipment to public hospitals.
Namib Minerals is also expanding its operations at How Mine while pursuing the restart of its Redwing Mine in Penhalonga and Mazowe Mine, increasing its footprint in Zimbabwe’s gold sector.
