Women participation, professionalism highlighted Young Miners yield day in Mberengwa
In an endeavour to ensure that Young Miners contribute significantly to the US$12 billion mining industry, the participation of women together with formalisation and professionalisation of the small-scale and artisanal mining industry were key takeaways at Young Miners Forum (YMF) 13 Anniversary, Awards and Field day held at Clifton 15 Gold Mine in Mberengwa last week.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Speakers at the Event highlighted the importance of professionalising the ASM sector at the same time including female participation to build a world-class ASM industry which would lead to the attainment of the US$12 billion industry.
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the field day YMF CEO Payne Farai Kupfuwa said his organization was continuing to rewrite and redefine the ASM to a professional industry that has government confidence in economic resuscitation.
“The idea behind the Young Miners field day was inspired by Agriculture field day where we identify a successful young miner and invite other young miners to learn how to run a successful mining venture. We are continuing with rewriting and redefining the small-scale mining narrative as we continue to advance and upscale youth entrepreneurship in the small-scale mining industry by formalising and professionalising the sector. We are moving in line with the attainment of the US$12 billion mining economy, we also have young miners who are focusing on the value chain, beneficiation and equipment supply,” Kupfuwa said.
YMF patron Ms Mupawaenda speaking at the event said her organisation was determined to empower women in the whole mining value chain as this would bring sustainable growth and development of the industry.
“As YMF we are pledging not to leave anyone behind especially young women by having promotional workshops to inspire and encourage them to consider mining as a career, to give them support as they enter into the sector, to find ways to encourage those who are already involved to get formalised by registering their companies, to buy claims, EPOs, to support each other and for the male young miners to work together with the female young miners in order to achieve our 2023 sustainable mining economy valued at 4US$12 Billion,” she said.
Mr Ronald Mugangavari, Director and CEO of Clifton 15 Gold Mine, served a speech to aspiring mining entrepreneurs on the aspect of formalization and growing big in the sector. He applauded the YMF CEO, Mr Payne Kupfuwa, for facilitating a platform that improves and helps the young miners achieve their dream.
Zimbabwe Women in Mining Association (ZAWIMA), was represented by Mrs Kundai Chikonzo Midzi, who applauded the female award winners for a job well-done in their endeavours in the mining industry, urging the participation of more women in the sector and their astonishing role in value addition.