The Young Miners Foundation (YMF) is stepping up its game in response to the grim reality of accidents that have been hitting Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector hard. With fatalities and injuries on the rise, Mr. Payne Kupfuwa, the foundation’s CEO, has made it clear that the organization is committed to ramping up occupational health and safety training. This initiative, launched in August 2023 in collaboration with Lenrage Consultancy and the International Health and Nursing Academy, is a direct response to the urgent need for better safety practices among young miners who often find themselves at the sharp end of the stick due to a lack of knowledge and financial resources.
The training program has already made strides in regions like Bulawayo, Mashonaland West, and Manicaland, but YMF isn’t stopping there. Plans are in place to roll out the training to the Midlands, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South starting next month. As Mr. Kupfuwa puts it, “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.” This proactive approach is not just about safety; it’s about empowering the next generation of miners to take control of their careers and their lives.
Furthermore, YMF is also on a mission to formalize operations within the sector. By creating syndicates, they aim to enhance professionalism, particularly in chrome mining. In hotspots like Mutorashanga and Mvurwi, the foundation is helping young miners weave themselves into the mining value chain, which is crucial for their long-term sustainability. The partnership with companies to assist miners in registering small-scale enterprises at subsidized fees is a game-changer. It’s about giving these miners the tools they need to thrive, especially in gold, gemstone, and chrome mining.
But the vision doesn’t stop at safety and formalization. YMF is looking toward the future, where technology plays a pivotal role in mining operations. Mr. Kupfuwa emphasized the importance of making young miners “tech-savvy to improve efficiency in their operations.” This forward-thinking approach aligns with the broader goal of achieving a sustainable mining economy, which is essential for Zimbabwe’s aspiration of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Small-scale mining is no small potatoes in Zimbabwe—it’s a powerhouse of the economy, employing over 300,000 people and contributing more than 40 percent of the country’s mineral exports. With YMF’s initiatives, there’s a palpable sense of hope that this sector can not only enhance its productivity and safety but also ensure its continued growth and significant contribution to the national economy. The commitment to training, formalization, and technological integration signals a shift towards a more resilient and empowered mining community. As the sector evolves, it will be fascinating to see how these developments shape the future of mining in Zimbabwe.
