Kavango Resources PLC has entered into a partnership with Gwanda State University (GSU) focused on education, skills development, and research collaboration, a move that aligns with the government’s recently signalled intention to introduce mandatory student attachment policies in the mining sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The London and TSX Venture Exchange-listed mining company this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the university aimed at expanding opportunities for student training, research collaboration, and industry exposure.
Under the agreement, GSU students will gain access to work-related learning placements, internships, and field projects, providing the practical experience increasingly required in Zimbabwe’s growing mining industry.
The partnership comes at a time when government is seeking greater involvement from mining companies in developing the next generation of professionals.
Shortly after taking office, Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura signalled plans to introduce compulsory attachment programmes for mining students. He also indicated that government was looking at mechanisms to strengthen skills and knowledge transfer across the sector, potentially requiring mining companies to play a more active role in training future industry talent.
While those proposals have not yet been formalised into policy, Kavango’s agreement with GSU reflects the direction government wants the industry to take.
Following the signing ceremony, Kavango Chief Operating Officer Alex Gorman and General Manager Irvin Nyamukondiwa toured GSU’s recently commissioned laboratory facilities alongside Vice-Chancellor Professor Doreen Zandile Moyo, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr B. Moyo, Mrs M. Nkomo, and other faculty members.
The company described the laboratories as “an impressive investment in scientific research and practical training” and said it looked forward to exploring additional areas of collaboration with the institution.
“Developing the next generation of mining professionals is essential to the future of Zimbabwe’s mining sector,” Kavango said.
“We look forward to working closely with Gwanda State University to help build the skills and expertise needed for sustainable growth.”
Beyond the signing ceremony, the agreement speaks to a broader challenge facing Zimbabwe’s mining education system.
Over the past decade, universities and colleges have significantly expanded enrolment in mining-related programmes, producing a growing pool of graduates eager to enter the industry. However, attachment and employment opportunities have not expanded at the same pace, leaving many students struggling to secure the placements required to complete their studies.
Industry leaders have repeatedly warned that mining companies can no longer absorb the volume of students seeking industrial attachments. Economic pressures, operational constraints, and fluctuating commodity markets have further reduced the number of opportunities available to new entrants.
A senior executive at a leading mining company recently told Mining Zimbabwe that the situation had become increasingly difficult, with demand for placements far exceeding what the industry can realistically provide.
Against this backdrop, the Kavango-GSU partnership offers a practical example of how collaboration between mining companies and academic institutions can help ease the pressure. More importantly, it demonstrates how industry can begin addressing the skills gap and attachment shortage even before government makes such programmes mandatory.
