JCMZ vows to reduce operations costs, promote SHE issues
The Junior Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (JCMZ) has vowed to reduce operational costs and promote safety, health, and environmental (SHE) issues within the medium-scale mining industry.
Speaking at the association’s first quarterly meeting in Gweru on Friday, JCMZ President Mr Brian Samuriwo stated that they would implement measures to lower the cost of conducting business while emphasizing safety, health, and environmental concerns.
Samuriwo explained that JCMZ plans to introduce mechanization models to increase mineral output and production efficiency at reduced costs. Additionally, the organization will actively seek SHE training initiatives for the medium-scale sector and encourage responsible mining practices among miners to adhere to set standards.
He emphasized JCMZ’s commitment to addressing workers’ welfare, and ensuring fair treatment of employees within the industry.
Mr. Samuriwo outlined key focus areas stating, “We are committed to reducing the cost of doing business in the mining sector by establishing local mechanisms through JCMZ committees. This includes optimizing mining consumables, equipment, machinery, ensuring fair labour practices, and prioritizing employee welfare.”
“We must operate as professional and organized miners and understand the cost implications of our business. This is why we have established the Committee of Safety, Health, Environment, and Training, led by the Zimbabwe School of Mines, to conduct technical mining visits and facilitate mutual learning and development,” Samuriwo added.
He further advocated for the establishment of a miners’ bank aimed at financing the mining industry, particularly the medium-scale sector, through crowdfunding initiatives involving medium-scale miners and stakeholders.
Samuriwo stressed the importance of financial sustainability within the mining sector, asserting, “We need to establish a miners’ bank to support our operations. We must crowd-fund and finance ourselves to ensure liquidity within the Junior Chamber. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Fidelity Gold Refinery, and banks will witness the positive initiatives led by JCMZ.”
He urged equipment and consumable suppliers to innovate and develop local solutions to reduce the mining sector’s significant import bill.
“The mining sector currently bears the highest import bill of USD$3 billion, which we aim to reduce by 20% in the short term. I urge local industries to collaborate with JCMZ and leverage opportunities within the mining value chain,” Samuriwo concluded.
About The Junior Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (JCMZ)
is the primary advocate for medium-scale miners in Zimbabwe. It operates as a member-funded, not-for-profit organization representing the interests of medium-scale miners and advocating on their behalf. JCMZ’s membership includes medium-scale miners, suppliers of machinery, spare parts, and chemicals, as well as service providers such as banks, insurance companies, consulting experts, engineers, and other mining-related professionals.
JCMZ plays a vital role in policy development affecting the sector, promoting its value within the mining community, and facilitating collaboration among members and stakeholders. The organization aims to provide a unified voice for medium-scale miners, ensuring their priorities are understood and supporting their role as key drivers of Zimbabwe’s mining economy. JCMZ also serves as an incubator for developing medium-scale miners who may transition into large-scale operations under the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (CoMZ).