In a dynamic move set to reshape Zimbabwe’s mining landscape, a wave of young entrepreneurs from every corner of the nation is being equipped to transform rough local stones into dazzling global treasures. The skills revolution comes as the sector prepares to celebrate its rising stars at the Young Miners Foundation’s (YMF) prestigious 15th Anniversary Awards, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Spearheaded by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) in partnership with the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM), the groundbreaking Gemstone Cutting and Polishing Training Programme is unlocking unprecedented value. With strategic support from the Young Miners Foundation (YMF), Women in Mining in Zimbabwe, and Women in Gemstones Mining, the initiative is creating a new generation of lapidary experts, fostering local beneficiation, and keeping mineral wealth within communities.
The training centre buzzes with the sound of saws and polishers, but louder is the buzz of ambition. For participants, this is more than a workshop; it’s a gateway to a future where Zimbabweans are masters of their own geological fortune.
Fortune Dropa from Matabeleland North, who works with amethyst, captured the spirit of discovery: “We knew these stones as just stones only; this year we were introduced! This initiative is empowering. We now understand gemstones in a different way… It gives us power also to empower our communities with the stones they have.”
Echoing this transformative experience, Karel Makwanza from Manicaland shared her vision: “We are learning about gemstones evaluation, cutting and polishing sponsored by MMCZ… I am aspiring to be a jewellery maker. In Mutare, we have a lot of mining sites… and I look forward to teaching other young people in my community.”
The programme directly tackles historical exploitation. Sibanda Donald from Chiredzi stated, “I’m here to learn skills, because in the industry we have been robbed by buyers.” Meanwhile, Takudzwa Katembo from Mashonaland East highlighted the boost in innovation and connectivity: “With this training, we are now getting more ideas and innovation… These programmes are expensive, but MMCZ has made it possible for us to have networking.”
As this skills base expands nationwide, the Young Miners Foundation is set to honour the brilliance already shining within the sector. The YMF 15th Anniversary Awards Dinner, scheduled for December 19 in Bulawayo, will be a landmark gala recognising exceptional young talent, innovation, and leadership across the mining value chain.
Talent Chitepo, YMF Chairperson, connected the dots between training and recognition. “We are thankful to our partners who have seen this programme come to fruition. We have young miners from across the country who are learning this crucial skill,” Chitepo said. “As we enter into the National Development Strategy 2, we look forward to equipping these young miners as more formalised entrepreneurs.”
Regarding the upcoming celebration, Chitepo added,
“Our tradition is the Young Miners Foundation will be awarding individuals who have been contributing to the mining sector… The young people are doing very well… It’s going to be a time for reflecting and celebrating the achievements that the young people are doing.”
