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A new initiative is set to professionalise Zimbabwe’s artisanal gold mining sector, equipping miners with the skills, tools, and knowledge to operate safely, responsibly, and profitably, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The Mining Academy, being developed by Planet Gold in partnership with the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM), aims to tackle persistent challenges in a sector that employs between 500,000 and 1 million miners and supports over 2 to 3 million livelihoods nationwide.
Despite its size and economic importance, the sector faces long-standing issues, including limited financial inclusion, low productivity, weak safety standards, and minimal adherence to environmental regulations.
Only 4% of ASM operators maintain financial records, over 70% are excluded from the banking system, and 80% operate without geological surveys, making it difficult to identify high-value minerals. The sector is also responsible for around 40% of occupational health incidents, alongside daily environmental and social challenges.
To address these gaps, Planet Gold and ZSM are developing the Mining Academy — a platform designed to professionalise the sector, improve productivity, and empower miners to operate responsibly.
“The Mining Academy is primarily focused on Zimbabwe’s artisanal gold mining sector, which employs a significant number of people. It emphasises the importance of occupational health and safety, along with ESG practices, as essential for maintaining a responsible and effective industry. The ASM Academy is also addressing critical gaps in financial capacity, tackling issues such as financial inclusion, compliance with national laws, and improving overall productivity,” said Paul Matshona, Head of Research and Innovation at ZSM.
“Therefore, the Academy will be a platform to co-create solutions that formalise, finance, and digitalise the sector while promoting responsible and inclusive mining practices,” he added.
The Academy is structured around six core modules: feasibility studies and mine planning, financial management and negotiation, environmental compliance and ESG practices, legal and governance literacy, responsible mining and innovation, and community engagement, including conflict resolution.
Training will be practical, taking place at an experimental mine where miners can acquire essential skills in a real-world environment.
Gender inclusivity is a key priority, with women expected to make up 50% of participants. Graduates will receive certification from ZSM, preparing them for investment-ready ASM operations. International standards will be integrated into the curriculum, including OECD guidelines, London Bullion Market standards, and Fairmined certification, strengthening Zimbabwe’s capacity for formalisation and ESG reporting while aligning miners with global best practices.
The Academy’s success depends on collaboration across the mining ecosystem. It draws on insights from the Chamber of Mines, the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry of Environment, and industry associations. Plans include pilot projects, access to training equipment, and modules such as gold culture and controlled blasting techniques to enhance practical learning and attract more miners to the programme.
Once operational, the Mining Academy is expected to make Zimbabwe’s ASM sector safer, more productive, and financially inclusive. By fostering innovation, responsible resource management, and adherence to ESG standards, the initiative aims to transform artisanal mining from a largely informal livelihood into a professionally managed and sustainable industry.
