A mining company preparing to launch operations in Zimbabwe has come under fire from the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers’ Union (ZDAMWU) and other industry stakeholders after advertising a senior leadership role that appears to devalue Zimbabwean mining engineering qualifications.
By Ryan Chigoche
The job vacancy, posted by recruitment agency Precision Recruitment International, calls for a General Manager with a Mining Engineering degree “preferably obtained from a university outside Zimbabwe.”
The wording has drawn sharp criticism from ZDAMWU, which told Mining Zimbabwe that the advert raises serious questions about the recognition and value placed on local qualifications and skills.
“The recent advertisement… raises important questions about the perceived value and recognition of local mining engineering qualifications and whether the investors coming to invest in Zimbabwe do value local qualifications and skills,” said ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema.
Zimbabwe’s mining sector has, for decades, been led by professionals trained at local institutions. Even during the country’s most difficult economic periods, local engineers have played a central role in sustaining production across gold, platinum, diamond, and other mineral operations.
Critics argue that the advert sends a damaging message about the credibility of Zimbabwean qualifications at a time when many local engineers continue to lead major mining projects both domestically and abroad.
The controversy has also reignited debate over the state of Zimbabwe’s engineering education system. While some acknowledge that ongoing economic challenges may have strained local institutions, many insist that Zimbabwean-trained engineers remain highly capable and experienced in managing mining operations in the country’s unique geological and socio-economic context.
ZDAMWU Calls for Fair Recruitment Practices
In comments to Mining Zimbabwe, ZDAMWU acknowledged that international exposure can benefit professionals but strongly warned against undermining local skills.
“It is crucial that these qualifications are seen as credible and competitive on both local and international platforms,” ZDAMWU said.
While strongly advocating for the development and recognition of Zimbabwean mining engineering qualifications, the union warned that giving preference to foreign qualifications “may inadvertently undermine the confidence of local professionals and could contribute to a perception that local expertise is less valuable.”
ZDAMWU urged mining companies to adopt “fair and transparent recruitment policies” that recognize the quality of Zimbabwean qualifications and experience. It also called on regulatory bodies, training institutions, and industry stakeholders to work together to strengthen local training programs and enhance global competitiveness.
“ZDAMWU remains committed to advocating for fair employment practices, recognition of local talent, and the development of a robust and self-sufficient mining workforce in Zimbabwe,” Chinhema said.
The advert comes at a time when the government is actively pushing for greater local content, empowerment, and skills recognition across the mining sector. As the controversy continues to spark debate, attention will now turn to how the mining company and its recruitment partners respond.
