Five local geology students are set to depart for Russia tomorrow to represent Zimbabwe at the IV International Geological Championship GeoVyzov (GeoChallenge) 2026 in Bashkortostan, where they will compete against teams from institutions around the world across 11 geological disciplines, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The team will travel to Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan, for the championship, which runs from August 28 to September 9.
The delegation brings together students from the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) and Gwanda State University (GSU): Sean Paul Lunga, Robert Tinashe Chiadzwa, Tariro Moreblessing Maposa, Tadiwanashe Shalom Mupereri and Kudzaishe Zhakata.
The two institutions will also provide the team’s leadership, with ZSM lecturer Nomasiko Shantelle Mpofu and GSU lecturer Nick Simeon Maphosa accompanying the students. The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) is sponsoring the delegation.
Speaking at the send-off, MMCZ General Manager Dr Nomusa Jane Moyo said the invitation to compete reflected the talent within Zimbabwe’s mining and geological sector.
“Your invitation to participate is a significant achievement and is testimony to the talent and potential that exists within Zimbabwe’s mining and geological fraternity. This is an indication that Zimbabwe is making its mark on the international stage and that our young professionals have the knowledge, skills and determination to compete with their counterparts from around the world,” Dr Moyo said.
The students will compete in 11 categories, including Geological Route, Schlich Sampling, Geological Cross-Section, Mineralogy and Petrography, Palaeontology, Radiometry, Geochemistry, Hydrogeology, Oil and Gas, Crystallography and Testing on Basics of Geological Knowledge.
The events cover both field- and laboratory-based work. Schlich Sampling involves heavy-mineral-concentrate sampling and heavy-mineral panning, while Geological Route tests participants on field observation and interpretation. Geological Cross-Section focuses on interpreting and representing geological structures, while Mineralogy and Petrography involves identifying and studying minerals and rocks.
Other events cover fossils, radioactive measurements, geochemistry, groundwater, petroleum geology and crystallography. Lunga and Chiadzwa will compete in the Geological Route.
Moyo urged the students to recognise the responsibility that comes with representing their institutions and country.
“To all the representatives, I want you to appreciate the responsibility that comes with this opportunity. You are not travelling simply as individuals. You are representing your institution, your families, Zimbabwe and, indeed, the potential of our country’s mining and geological sector,” she said.
The team returns to the competition after Zimbabwe’s participation in the 2025 edition, also held in Russia. Last year’s team received special recognition for Geological Routing, finished fourth in Field Camp Organisation and placed 10th in Mineralogy and Petrography.
Moyo said the previous performance gives this year’s team a base from which to build.
“To our young delegates, you have already demonstrated that you have what it takes to compete at this level. Go prepared to learn, prepared to compete and prepared to excel. We hope that your participation will build on Zimbabwe’s good showing in 2025 and further strengthen our country’s reputation in geological and mining disciplines,” she said.
This year’s participation comes as ZSM and GSU deepen their academic ties. The institutions signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding on Monday covering student and staff exchanges, mentorship, research, shared laboratory facilities, joint consultancy, conferences, seminars and knowledge exchange.
The agreement brings the two institutions together on areas ranging from academic development to research and practical training, while the GeoChallenge provides an immediate platform for their students and lecturers to work together.
This year’s team will now seek to improve on that performance as Zimbabwe returns to the international competition, with students from two of its mining and geological training institutions competing as one delegation.
