Source: Mines school sets up workshop – herald
Sikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) is investing in experiential education facilities, with US$1,1 million earmarked for a gemstone and lapidary workshop to promote hands-on learning.
Investing in skilled mining personnel is crucial for Zimbabwe to unlock the full economic potential of its vast mineral resources through value addition, job creation, and improved operational efficiency.
A skilled workforce enables the country to move beyond raw material extraction and engage in more profitable processes like beneficiation and refining, which strengthen the economy and promote industrialisation.
Furthermore, a skilled workforce is necessary for creating a more resilient, competitive, and prosperous mining sector, which contributes to national development goals.
Mining is extremely important to Zimbabwe’s economy, as it is a key driver of gross domestic product, contributing 12-15 percent, and the leading source of exports and foreign direct investment.
The sector contributes significantly to national income, Government revenue, and employment, and the Government has identified it as a crucial catalyst for economic growth.
Speaking during the school’s 31st graduation and prize giving ceremony in Bulawayo on Friday, ZSM principal Mr Edwin Gwaze said the workshop was established in partnership with MMCZ and had been functional since last year.
“Gemstone and lapidary workshop was commissioned in partnership with Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ); operational since April 2024 with investment of over US$1,1 million worth of equipment planned over five years,” said Mr Gwaze.
“Phase one has been fully implemented; established a world-class lapidary facility capable of cutting and polishing coloured gemstones.
“Phase two will expand to diamond cutting and polishing and jewellery manufacturing, with MMCZ support to capacitate the laboratory.”
Mr Gwaze said the operationalisation of the workshop had provided a dedicated space for experiential training, allowing students to apply modern lapidary techniques and engage in small-scale value addition projects.
He said the ZSM metallurgical and analytical laboratories continued to provide assaying services to the mining community and students’ practical learning.
“There has been an upturn in the laboratory’s revenue. The primary contributor has been the water analysis,” he said.
“The laboratories managed to generate a record gross revenue of US$52 785 from the beginning of the year to the end of July, compared to US$35 343 for the same period last year.”
Meanwhile, Mr Gwaze said ZSM had secured a 350-hectare site for the experimental mine in Inyathi, with processes underway to obtain a Special Grant.
He said preliminary geological mapping and sampling had been completed, revealing an average gold grade of 2,24 grams per ton, with outliers up to 20 grams per ton.
The school has also partnered with Fidelity Gold Refineries to establish a gold service centre offering custom milling, technical, and equipment support.
ASM has also partnered with Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) to assist the company in carrying out a drone aero-magnetic survey as part of ZCDC’s exploration programme.
“The school seeks additional industry support for diamond or reverse circulation drilling and other development activities,” said Mr Gwaze.
“Students actively engaged in all stages of mine design and development, enhancing experiential learning. The experimental mine is a game-changer for ZSM, designed to be self-sustaining, linking education, research, industry solutions, and revenue generation.
“It also serves as a model for sustainable mining education and resource development in Africa and beyond.”
The post Mines school sets up workshop appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.