The Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Junior Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (JCMZ), a coalition of locally-owned small and medium-scale mining enterprises, to foster professionalism and establish world-class mining operations wholly owned by Zimbabweans.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, ZSM Deputy Principal, Martin January, emphasized that the collaboration between ZSM and JCMZ aims to empower both miners and students by offering invaluable learning opportunities and professional development.
He highlighted that the partnership is focused on bridging the gap between academia and practical mining operations.
“We want to ensure that our students are not just classroom-ready but industry-ready. Through this collaboration, we assess the needs of JCMZ and supply the necessary human capital while addressing specific research needs that impact junior miners. This will elevate the quality of operations in these mines,” said January.
As part of the collaboration, ZSM also sends lecturers on technical visits to mines under JCMZ, providing expert guidance and contributing to the production of skilled technical professionals. This exchange of knowledge is key to promoting efficiency and growth in the sector.
“There are several services we offer, including laboratory services, survey and geology, as well as mine planning. However, our primary goal with this partnership is to strengthen our collaboration with JCMZ. This is a two-way relationship: we send our students to gain practical experience and understand the real-life challenges faced by miners. In return, students have the opportunity to recommend effective systems that can enhance mine operations,” he explained.
In addition to offering practical learning experiences for students, ZSM’s partnership with JCMZ also involves providing detailed reports prepared by students, guided by their lecturers, outlining potential areas for improvement in the mines.
“At the end of the day, the mines benefit from these reports, which offer actionable recommendations on how to improve operations. This not only benefits the mines but also helps shape the next generation of mining professionals,” he said.
January also emphasized that this collaboration opens doors for students to gain hands-on experience through industrial attachments at JCMZ-affiliated mines.
“We will send students for industrial attachments to the mines, giving them real-world experience in mining operations. It’s a win-win situation for both parties,” he added.
As the partnership evolves, ZSM aims to deepen its involvement by sending lecturers to JCMZ mines to provide ongoing support.
“Our lecturers will work directly with miners, helping them implement the best technical solutions and ultimately ensuring that the sector grows. Miners cannot grow without the backing of skilled professionals, and we are here to produce those professionals,” January concluded.
This collaboration is seen as a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s mining industry, fostering the development of a new generation of skilled miners while elevating local operations to meet global standards. By investing in human capital and promoting technical excellence, ZSM and JCMZ are laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable mining sector in Zimbabwe.
