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Sikhulekelani Moyo,Business Reporter

THE Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) is expanding its skills training programmes in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) ideals with a focus on embracing new technologies and enhancing student competencies to meet national economic needs.

In his report at the 28th graduation ceremony for the 2021 academic year held at the institution in Bulawayo last Friday, ZSM principal Mr Edwin Gwaze said some of the new programmes were already being implemented.

Zimbabwe School of Mines

“Zimbabwe School of Mines continues to align with NDS1 and this has seen the school introducing several new courses and also working on several new courses,” he said.
“This year we introduced a mining engineering diploma and shaft technician and the pioneer group has 30 students and they started in August this year.”

Mr Gwaze said the school has also introduced an executive post-graduate diploma in mining management with the pioneer group of 31 students who worked on a certificate in occupational health and safety which is commencing this month.

“Work is also at an advanced level for a diploma in occupational health and safety, which should be rolled out in the year 2023,” he said.
ZSM is also working on introducing courses in metal casting to promote the value-addition and beneficiation of minerals.

“In line with what is happening in the country, the school is also working on a diploma in foundry technology and a diploma in iron and steel making.
“We are also working on gemmology courses and we have a workshop in finalising curriculum documents, which is on from 18 to 20 October 2022,” said Mr Gwaze.

“The school is also constructing a gemmology training centre in Mutare. However, the training is going to commence next year and we are likely to be running this from premises in Harare.”

Meanwhile, ZSM is set to host the second edition of the Zimbabwe Institute of Foundries metal casting conference from 10 to 11 November 2022, an event which is meant to deliberate on metal beneficiation and value-addition and adoption of new technologies in the mining and foundry sector.

The ZSM graduation ceremony was officiated by Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister, Polite Kambamura, who was the guest of honour.
He commended the institution for its strategic role in promoting growth in the mining sector and the economy at large through promoting human capital investment.

The deputy minister said with the huge investment in the mining sector leading to the opening of new mines, expansion of existing mines as well as re-opening of dormant mines, the mining sector is anticipating an increase in human capital needs.

Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura

“As the mining sector grows, the ZSM graduates are poised to grab the opportunities, hence training of technical experts at ZSM becomes more and more relevant,” said Kambamura.

“Let me take this opportunity to comment on the ZSM for reviewing its curricula and ensuring the school responds to the current and future mining sector needs in line with the NDS 1.”
The Government has set a target of a US$12 mining economy by 2023 as part of the efforts in achieving Vision 2030 of an upper middle-income status as the mining sector is the major contributor to the economy through exports. – @SikhulekelaniM1.