Equity Axis journalist Blessing Kanyemba emerged as the standout performer at the 2025 Mining Media Awards, claiming the prestigious Overall Mining Sector Reporter of the Year Award at a ceremony held in Harare on Friday night. The awards, themed “Stories of Growth and Sustainability,” honored journalists who have made significant contributions to reporting on Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Kanyemba was one of the most decorated journalists of the night, also winning the Lithium Sector Best Reporter Award while finishing as runner-up in both the Diamond Sector and Coal and Gas categories. Judges praised his consistent delivery of well-researched stories, analytical depth, and his role in amplifying conversations around responsible mining and economic development.
In the Gold Sector, Zimpapers journalist Nqobile Bhebhe took the top prize, with Brenna Matendere of Gemnation News coming in as runner-up. The Small-Scale and Artisanal Miners Best Reporter Award went to Tawanda Musarurwa of Zimpapers, while his colleague Muchaneta Chimuka secured second place.
The Platinum Sector Best Reporter Award was won by James Muonwa of New Zimbabwe, with Nelson Gahadza from Herald Online taking the runner-up spot. In the Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability category, Fungai Lupande of Zimpapers was named the winner, ahead of Evans Mathanda of Alpha Media Holdings.
Mining Zimbabwe’s Rudairo Mapuranga walked away with the Diamond Sector Best Reporter Award, while the runner-up slot went to Kanyemba. In the Coal and Gas category, Zimpapers journalist Oliver Kazunga took first place, followed by Kanyemba in second position. The Chrome Sector Best Reporter Award was won by Nathan Guma of NewsHawks, with Ryan Chigoche of Mining Zimbabwe coming in as runner-up. Meanwhile, in the Lithium Sector, Kanyemba secured the top spot, ahead of Elvis Masvaure from NRTV.
The awards, organized by Minex Zimbabwe in partnership with the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists and the Association of Mining Journalists, highlighted the importance of high-quality journalism in promoting accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth in the mining sector. Organizers praised the winners for their dedication to telling impactful mining stories that contribute to national development.
