Call for strategic partnerships in mining sector
THE Zimbabwe National Institute of Rock Engineering (Zinire) yesterday held its 4th annual general meeting and symposium where the need to positively impact on the community and industry through strategic partnerships with stakeholders in the mining industry was highlighted.
The AGM was held at the Zimbabwe School of Mines in Bulawayo. Zinire president Mr Omberai Mandingaisa said it was imperative for players in the industry to offer solutions to problems experienced by miners and stakeholders in the field.
“The institute seeks through its members to initiate and give effect to the means by which the requirements of technological advancement and scientific knowledge in the rock engineering sector of Zimbabwe’s mining and civil engineering industries are satisfied.
“We had several presentations on the technical side, where we aim at advancing rock engineers’ knowledge through knowledge,” he said.
Mr Mandingaisa said they had partnered several companies both locally and regionally. He also highlighted the need to uplift small-scale miners in Zimbabwe, who are prone to mining hazards.
“There are 48 000 miners in Zimbabwe and only 2 500 are registered.
“There is need to perform national outreach programmes to provide and equip small-scale miners with skills and solutions to advance themselves in the mining sector,” said Mr Mandigaisa.
He added that small-scale miners deposited more gold compared to large-scale miners last year. Zinire is an institute affiliated to the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) as a National Group and to the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe.
Zinire was established in 2013 and has about 50 members to date, constituted from various companies and individuals in the mining sector.
“The benefits accruing to members are derived from the following activities of the Institute. 1. Development of the strata control and rock engineering profession through seminars, conferences and other training opportunities. 2. Dissemination of rock engineering related information through publications, conference proceedings and the institutes’s website. 3. Furthering research in the field of rock engineering through the identification of suitable topics and questions found to be in need of investigation,” said Mr Mandingaisa.