- Zimbabwe School of Mines to host ASM safety symposium on Sept. 25-26.
- Event focuses on reducing fatalities and improving rehabilitation practices.
- Sector contributes more than 60% of Zimbabwe’s gold output.
- Government is pushing to formalise and train artisanal miners.
THE ZIMBABWE School of Mines (ZSM) will host a two-day symposium this week aimed at improving mine safety and rehabilitation practices in the country’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, a key contributor to national gold output.
The Mining Safety and Rehabilitation Symposium will take place on Sept. 25-26 under the theme,”Zero Fatalities – Responsible Mining – Sustainable Rehabilitation.” It will be attended by miners, regulators, technical experts and industry stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to safer and more sustainable mining.
Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector has become an increasingly important source of gold production and employment, but safety incidents and environmental damage remain persistent challenges. Authorities have recently stepped-up efforts to improve standards and formalise mining activities.
According to the organisers, the symposium will focus on mine safety, risk management, environmental protection, skills development and rehabilitation of mined-out areas.
The first day will be held as a hybrid event featuring technical presentations, panel discussions and expert insights on safety, environmental management and responsible mining practices. The second day will include a field visit to an operational ASM site, where participants will observe mine safety demonstrations and rehabilitation activities.
The event comes as policymakers and industry leaders seek to reduce fatalities in the ASM sector. In June, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development said Zimbabwe was targeting the training and licensing of an estimated 600,000 artisanal miners through ZSM as part of efforts to improve safety standards and reduce preventable deaths.
Speaking during a visit to the institution earlier this year, Permanent Secretary for Mines and Mining Development Thomas Utete Wushe said safety should remain the sector’s primary objective, highlighting the need for training and innovation to address recurring accidents.
Keynote speaker Henrietta Rushwaya will be joined by speakers including Prof. Alfred Chinyere, Clayton Ndaba, Munetsi Chiraka, Eng. Mellin Sisila, Eng. Vare, Mongile P. Kudakwashe, Aspect Chawara, Hopewell T. Muchademedzi, Memory Rashidi, Dr. Faith Katema, Lorraine Munenya, Dearson Masikiti, Wellington Takavarasha and Emmanuel Chingosho.
The event is supported by PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe as gold sponsor.
Artisanal and small-scale miners account for more than 60% of Zimbabwe’s gold output, underscoring the sector’s growing role in the country’s mining industry and the importance of improving safety and environmental performance, according to organisers.
