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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

THE Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) has commissioned a lapidary workshop valued at US$130  000 for cutting and polishing gemstones, marking a significant advancement in the institution’s practical training capabilities.

The workshop was opened officially during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2024. ZSM principal, Mr Edwin Gwaze, said he was satisfied with the new facility donated by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ).

He said the cutting-edge equipment would provide students and researchers with hands-on experience, enhancing the school’s analytical capabilities.
“Zimbabwe School of Mines is pleased to report the successful commissioning of the lapidary workshop, which is serving as a practical training ground for students pursuing careers in gemmology and gemstone cutting and polishing,” he said.

“The equipment valued at US$130 344,69 was donated by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe and more is expected. We celebrate the achievement of our first intake of students, who are graduating today, with the certificate in gemstone cutting and polishing, marking a significant milestone in their professional development.”

The lapidary workshop aligns with the Government’s broader goals of value addition and beneficiation of minerals, which is a crucial element in the country’s mining sector development.

Mr Gwaze said the institution has made significant strides in expanding its educational offerings in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Education 5.0.

As part of efforts to expand and meet industry demands, ZSM has also introduced several new diploma programmes in areas such as foundry technology, iron and steel making, jewellery design and manufacturing, and mine occupational health, safety and environment.

“These courses aim to equip students with specialised skills essential for Zimbabwe’s evolving mining and manufacturing sectors,” said Mr Gwaze. ZSM has also made significant progress in upgrading its quality standards, with a focus on achieving ISO 17025 accreditation.

The institution has conducted awareness training and developed operational manuals to enhance its laboratory capabilities. This effort was further bolstered by the recent acquisition of a spark analyser, donated by Mimosa Mining Company, which will greatly improve the metallurgical and analytical laboratories.

“Furthermore, we have enhanced our metallurgical and analytical laboratories with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art spark analyser. This cutting-edge equipment will significantly improve our analytical capabilities, providing our students and researchers with hands-on experience in advanced metallurgical processes,” said Mr Gwaze.

The mining sector has become a pillar of economic growth under the Second Republic, with a notable increase in investment and job creation. The country, which is rich in minerals like gold, platinum, diamonds and lithium, is actively harnessing this potential through strategic initiatives and skills development efforts led by institutions such as ZSM. — @SikhulekelaniM1