Graduates urged to join ASM
In an effort to improve the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector as well as finding new opportunities for mining graduates, the government through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is advising graduates to join the ASM.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) 28th, annual graduation and prize-giving ceremony themed “Skilled practitioners for the attainment of the US$12 billion mining industry” which was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Dr Polite Kambamura, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Mr Pfungwa Kunaka said graduates should make a difference in society through professionalizing the ASM sector as they have the skills and knowledge to help in the government’s drive to formalize and professionalize the largely informal sector.
“The government is looking forward to professionalise and formalise the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, it is therefore of importance for graduates to join this sector to improve standards in the sector, at the same time creating own employment,” Kunaka said.
Speaking at the same event, a senior lecturer at the school Mr January said the nation was looking forward to benefiting from intellectual properties, therefore, it was important for graduates not to wait to be employed by big mining firms but also join the ASM to improve production systems in the sector.
“The nation is looking upon you to use your intellectual capacities to increase production where you will be employed and those who will be unemployed I urge you to think outside the box and partner with the artisanal and small-scale miners and improve the production system and safety systems in those operations and you will be greatly rewarded financially or intellectual as experience should be your desired weapon for national growth and empowerment,” January said.
Zimbabwe School of Mines Student Representative Council (SRC) President Tanaka urged graduates who are yet to be employed to join ASM.
“There are those of you who will not know their destinations because they will be unemployed. I challenge you to venture into the small-scale and artisanal sector and not to fold your hands because if you do so, poverty shall strike you like a vagabond. Collectively from your various departments of expertise plus a mining claim, you’re already a miner, ” he said.