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The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Polite Kambamura, says the government is preparing to compel mining companies to take students on industrial attachment, amid growing concerns over rising unemployment among mining graduates.
By Ryan Chigoche
Over the years, more institutions have increased enrolment in mining-related programmes, resulting in a fast-growing pool of graduates.
However, the job market has not expanded at the same pace, leaving many aspiring professionals unable to secure the attachment opportunities required to complete their training.
Speaking during a press conference at his swearing-in ceremony as the new Minister, Dr Kambamura said the government is now stepping in to address this widening mismatch.
“Graduates or our undergraduates are not finding attachment, so we are going to make it mandatory for mining companies to absorb students on attachment. In that pillar, we are also going to strengthen skills and knowledge transfer for people.”
The job crisis in the mining sector comes despite the recent growth of Zimbabwe’s mining industry, driven by increased investment.
Companies have nonetheless been criticised for preferring foreign workers or prioritising degree holders, sidelining other qualified graduates.
As the number of graduates rises, industry players warn that the sector can no longer absorb the volume of learners seeking placement.
A senior executive from a leading mining company told Mining Zimbabwe that the situation has become “dire,” with the output of mining graduates far exceeding available opportunities.
He said employment is determined by operational needs, and the current levels of enrolment across training institutions are simply “more than what industry can absorb.”
Economic pressures, commodity price fluctuations, and ongoing operational challenges across the sector have further limited job openings for new entrants.
However, the proposed mandatory attachment policy, if implemented, will help ease the burden by ensuring every mining student receives practical training and by strengthening the sector’s skills pipeline through deliberate knowledge transfer.
