As Zimbabwe’s mining industry continues to adopt advanced technologies to improve productivity and operational efficiency, mine surveying students are stepping up with confidence and renewed enthusiasm to shape the future of the profession, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
This was clearly demonstrated during the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ)’s recent technical visit to Blanket Mine, where surveying students from the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) engaged with professionals and witnessed firsthand how innovation is driving the future of mining.
One of the standout voices from the student delegation was Tafara Bingandadi, a third-year mine surveying student at ZSM, who shared his reflections after the tour, expressing how the experience opened his eyes to the vast opportunities and evolving relevance of the surveying field in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
“Today I had the opportunity to visit Blanket Mine, where we had a great day learning a lot of things. I was previously attached to a surface mine at Bikita Minerals, so I had limited exposure to underground operations. This visit has helped me understand both surface and underground methods and the technologies now in use,” said Tafara.
With growing calls for local surveyors to modernise their craft, students like Tafara are embracing the transition away from traditional methods towards modern surveying systems. He highlighted the use of technologies such as laser scanners, drone surveys, and other digital solutions Blanket Mine is implementing to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
“They are now moving away from old methods. They are improving the accuracy of their work through new technologies. This visit helped us realise that software and tech-driven surveying is the future. It has inspired us to focus more on understanding these tools as part of our studies,” he explained.
The technical visit, organised by AMSZ, was not just a learning exercise but also a moment of motivation and reassurance for the students.
“You hear people say all mines have been surveyed—what’s the point of studying surveying? But today, after seeing what’s on the ground and engaging with professionals, I’m convinced our role is more relevant than ever,” Tafara noted.
He encouraged young Zimbabweans to consider mine surveying as a career, especially in light of the evolving demands of the sector. Tafara also urged fellow students and young professionals to join AMSZ to remain connected with the industry and stay updated on current trends and technologies.
“I want to thank AMSZ and Blanket Mine for such opportunities. I also encourage others to join the Association so we grow together and show the industry how competent we are,” he said.
As the mining sector transitions into an era defined by digital mining and spatial data, students like Tafara Bingandadi represent the new wave of professionals who are not only enthusiastic but also technically prepared to drive Zimbabwe forward.
The visit follows growing industry recognition of the importance of investing in human capital, particularly in technical fields like mine surveying.
