Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Young Miners Foundation (YMF) has expressed optimism about its prospects for 2025 as it strives to make a meaningful contribution to the growth of the country’s mining sector.
Under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe has experienced significant growth and transformation in the mining industry accounting for an impressive 70 percent of the country’s total export earnings.
In an interview, YMF Chief Executive Officer Mr Payne Kupfuwa outlined the foundation’s plans to continue implementing key projects initiated last year.
“We are bullish about 2025 and committed to maintaining the momentum and strategic initiatives we set in motion last year. We launched a young miners’ occupational safety, health, and environmental management training program, which we began rolling out in various provinces. We look forward to expanding these efforts,” he said.
“In 2024, we completed training in Bulawayo, Mashonaland West and Manicaland. In February, we will focus on Midlands Province followed by Masvingo in March and continue until we reach all provinces in the country.”
Mr Kupfuwa emphasised that the training programmes, conducted in partnership with several organisations, aim to equip young miners with free education to help them avert disasters at their sites and enhance production.
“This initiative will enable miners to adopt responsible mining practices, thereby reducing the accidents and diseases often associated with mining communities,” he noted.
He added, “It is crucial for young miners to formalise and professionalise their operations to contribute positively to the mining sector and to help achieve Vision 2030, envisioning an upper-middle-income economy. We will also be actively participating in local, regional and international mining events and exhibitions to network with key stakeholders in the industry.”
Mr Kupfuwa articulated the foundation’s vision to elevate small-scale mines to medium or even large-scale operations.
He mentioned that they will continue to form syndicates for young people, enabling them to regularise their mining activities in accordance with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s laws regarding various minerals such as gold, chrome and gemstones.
“This year, our calendar will feature various activities, including the Young Miners’ Indaba, field days, forums, seminars and symposiums specifically designed to address the challenges faced by young miners and provide solutions to enhance their operations,” he shared.
Additionally, a Young Miners Handbook will be launched this year.
Mr Kupfuwa urged young miners to embrace emerging technologies to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability, particularly highlighting the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in transforming mining practices.
“We aim to promote an inclusive approach this year by assisting mining graduates in securing jobs and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in starting their operations. We are also committed to empowering young women and miners with disabilities to engage in small-scale mining, acquire claims and equipment and explore opportunities within the mining value chain,” he said.
Plans are also underway to establish a Young Miners Academy, with a focus on sourcing and securing investment for young miners — acknowledging that mining is a capital-intensive venture.
Mr Kupfuwa confirmed that the YMF continues to build strategic relationships within the regional and international mining community to exchange experiences, share best practices and foster collaborative business ventures in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact and the African Mining Vision (AMV), as well as other international standards.
“This year marks our 15th anniversary, celebrated with the ruby symbol. While our momentum and strategic priorities remain steadfast, we are preparing for even more positive surprises. We are also committed to working towards a greener future for mining by minimising the industry’s negative environmental impact while maintaining productivity.”
He emphasised that achieving this goal will involve integrating sustainable practices and technologies, including renewable energy, water conservation, land rehabilitation, eco-friendly technologies, automated equipment and tailings reprocessing.
Mr Kupfuwa concluded by expressing a desire to attract investors who are interested in contributing to a sustainable future for mining through advanced technologies, as AI continues to be integrated into mining operations, ultimately transforming the industry into one of the safest occupations available.
