The Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) is expanding its practical training and technology capabilities through plans for an experimental mine in the Inyathi area near Bulawayo, alongside new initiatives in drone technology and gemology, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Central to the expansion plans is the development of an experimental mine in the Inyathi area, which January said is intended to become a “living laboratory” for students.
The project is designed to give students greater exposure to practical mining activities, complementing classroom learning with hands-on experience in exploration and mine development.
January said students have already participated in activities related to the development of the project, including work associated with securing the mining title and conducting geophysical surveys, which produced promising results.
The next stage will focus on further exploration, with students expected to continue playing an active role.
“The idea of this experimental mine is for it to become a living laboratory where we train our students practically,” January said.
ZSM is also seeking partnerships with industry professionals and AMSZ members to support the development of the project.
“This is something that we cannot do alone. We are asking members of the Association of Mine Surveyors and those who can participate in the development of this project to come on board,” he said.
One of the distinctive features of the proposed model is the level of responsibility expected to be given to students once the mine becomes operational.
January said ZSM envisages a structure in which students will play a leading role in managing the mine under staff supervision.
“Our model is that, as we develop and the mine becomes functional, we need to make sure that it is managed by 80% students and 20% staff,” he said.
Drone Training Initiative Takes Shape
ZSM is also working on a drone training and technical services initiative as part of efforts to expose students to emerging technologies increasingly being adopted across the mining industry.
January said the school is establishing a drone training group, which will form part of its broader technology-driven approach to mining education and technical training.
The initiative is expected to create opportunities for students to develop skills in the application of drone technology within mining and related technical fields.
The development of the programme comes as the use of drones continues to grow in areas such as surveying, mapping, monitoring and data collection.
Focus on Gemology and Value Addition
The third major project is the establishment of a gemology and geometallurgy centre, where ZSM is introducing training linked to cutting, polishing and mineral value addition.
January said the centre has introduced three new programmes:
- Certificate in Cutting and Polishing;
- Diploma in Gemology; and
- Certificate in Jewellery Architecture and Design.
The programmes represent an expansion of ZSM’s training offering into areas associated with mineral beneficiation and value addition.
Zimbabwe has increasingly emphasised the need to derive greater value from its mineral resources, and the new training programmes are expected to develop skills relevant to downstream activities, particularly in the processing and value addition of precious stones.
Expanding the Practical Mining Education Model
The three projects reflect ZSM’s push to strengthen practical training while responding to the growing importance of technology and value addition in the mining sector.
The proposed experimental mine will give students direct exposure to exploration and mine operations, while the drone initiative will introduce learners to emerging technologies. The gemology programmes, meanwhile, will expand opportunities for training in mineral cutting, polishing and jewellery design.
January said partnerships with industry and professional bodies would be important in bringing the projects to fruition.
As Zimbabwe’s mining industry continues to evolve, ZSM is positioning practical experience, technology adoption and mineral value addition at the centre of its efforts to prepare the next generation of mining professionals.
