Young people in Zimbabwe have been urged to embrace technology-driven solutions to tackle challenges in the mining industry and create opportunities from the country’s natural resources.
The call was made during a youth symposium held on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba under the theme “Empowering Youth for a Just and Sustainable Mining Future: Driving Inclusive Growth in the Just Energy Transition.”
The event, co-hosted by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO), the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and Action Aid, heard concerns raised by young people over issues linked to mining in their communities, including teenage pregnancies, early marriages, environmental degradation, and poor wages.
Mining engineer Paul Matshona, from the Zimbabwe School of Mines, said digital technologies such as geo-spatial tools and artificial intelligence could play a key role in transforming the sector.
“With geo-spatial technology, we can remotely assess environmental impacts and track biodiversity changes,” he said. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning also present opportunities to solve mining-related challenges — from translating policy documents into local languages to developing tools that can support miners in remote areas.”
He added that robotics and automation were reshaping global mining practices, but young people would need new skills in data analysis and programming to remain competitive.
“Programming is the new norm. By 2030, entrepreneurship will no longer be just buying and selling; it will have to be innovation-driven,” Matshona said.
Ruth Sibanda, from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, stressed the importance of understanding mining policies to access opportunities.
“Young people need to know the difference between owning a mine, profiting from a mine, and benefiting from community resources. Meaningful participation comes when you understand the policies, bills and acts that govern the sector,” she said.
Sibanda acknowledged gaps in skills development and said vocational training centres were not yet adequately equipping youths with the basics required for mining.
She also urged them to seek out information on available funding opportunities.
“If you don’t understand policies, you may think mining is only for foreigners. But there are funds that can help young people formalise operations and access equipment such as compressors,” she said.
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