mbulelo smpofu
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
AS accidents continue to plague Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector, the Young Miners Foundation (YMF) has pledged to intensify its occupational health and safety training initiative.
In partnership with Lenrage Consultancy and the International Health and Nursing Academy, YMF introduced the programme in August 2023 to address the alarming rise in fatalities and injuries in small-scale mining communities.
The training targets young miners, who are often the most affected due to limited knowledge and financial resources needed to adopt safe mining practices.
YMF chief executive officer, Mr Payne Kupfuwa, highlighted the progress made since 2023, with training conducted in Bulawayo, Mashonaland West, and Manicaland.
He announced plans to extend the programme to the Midlands, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South starting next month.
“We are going to be educating young miners on occupational health and safety so that we respond to the increase in accidents and diseases happening in mining communities,” said Mr Kupfuwa.
YMF is also working to formalise operations within the sector, creating syndicates to enhance professionalism, particularly in chrome mining.
In areas like Mutorashanga and Mvurwi, the organisation is helping young miners integrate into the mining value chain.
Mr Kupfuwa said YMF has partnered with companies to assist miners in registering small-scale mining enterprises at subsidised fees. These efforts target young miners involved in gold, gemstone, and chrome mining, aiming to foster formalisation and growth.
This year, YMF plans to participate in forums that focus on integrating technology into mining operations.
“We are ensuring young miners become tech-savvy to improve efficiency in their operations. Our goal aligns with the vision of a sustainable mining economy and the broader objective of achieving a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030,” said Mr Kupfuwa.
“So, we are ensuring that there is productivity among ourselves in all the provinces of the country, we also ensure that we are formalised and we are growing.”
Small-scale mining remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, delivering higher output than large-scale mining companies. The sector employs over 300 000 people and contributes more than 40 percent of the country’s mineral exports.
YMF’s initiatives aim to enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability within this vital sector, ensuring its continued growth and contribution to the national economy. —@SikhulekelaniM1
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