The media has been lauded for its positive reportage of the mining sector that has led to Zimbabwe achieving milestones such as being the chair of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme and the African Diamond Producers Association.
In his address at the Mining Media Awards (MMA) held on Friday evening in Harare, The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Polite Kambamura said the media had turned around the story of Zimbabwe’s ‘blood diamonds’ to a narrative of responsible mining which promotes investment.
“Our aim is to bolster relations between the media and mining sector,” he said. “With better relations forged between the two sectors our country can also attain investors for the mining sector.”
The minister also urged the media to note the positive activities of miners such as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by Zimplats, Mimosa and ZCDC to mention but a few.
He invited journalists to enter into mining ventures in lithium, gold and other minerals. He assured them of government’s support as they take up mining.
Dr Kambamura said the government is introducing the concept of smart mining to modernize the extraction of minerals through use of drones and artificial intelligence.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere who was represented by Director International in the ministry Mr Richard Mahomva, commended journalists for their resilience in reporting on the mining sector. He called for the development of stronger relations between journalists and miners, emphasizing the importance of accurate and unbiased reporting.
“The resilience of journalists reporting in the mining sector is something that should be acknowledged and applauded“.
“Zimbabwe is anchored by the mining sector particularly the gold sector and this information should be shared”, he said.
Mejrkh Communications and Media Advisory Lead Consultant Munyaradzi Hwengwere appealed for stakeholders within the mining value chain to work towards the setting up of a fund to capacitate mining journalists.
Mrs Susan Makore, who delivered the adjudication committee report noted that female journalists remain constrained in entering the mining beat.
“Although we have received a lot of entries for the awards this year, there is still a lack of female representatives in the mining industry.”
She said the adjudication team was looking for quality entries which were balanced and well researched.
“Our aim is to ensure that we reward journalists who are able to cover every aspect of mining sector without bias”
Bernard Mpofu again scooped the big prize, the Overall Mining Sector of the Year Award, after winning the trophy last year.
The awards were sponsored by Mimosa, Zimplats, Zimasco, Dallaglio, Kuvimba Mining House, Caledonia Mining, Bikita Minerals, ZCDC and Minex.
MINING MEDIA AWARDS 2023 FULL LIST OF WINNERS
- Gold Sector Best Reporter Award:
Yeukai Tazira NRTV
Runner up
Ndanatsiwa Tagwireyi Mining Vision Magazine
Sponsored by Dallaglio
- Small Scale and Artisanal Miners Best Reporter Award:
Ndanatsiwa Tagwireyi Mining Vision Magazine
Runner Up
Patrick Chitumba Chronicle
Winner
Sponsored by Caledonia Mining
- Platinum Sector Best Reporter Award:
Mthandazo Nyoni AMH
Runner Up
Bernard Mpofu Newshawks
Winner
Sponsored by Zimplats
- Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Award:
Michael Magoronga Chronicle
Runner Up
Gibson Mhaka Bmetro
Winner
Sponsored by Mimosa
- Coal and Gas Best Reporter Award:
Oliver Kazunga The Sunday Mail
Runner Up
Bernard Mpofu Newshawks
Winner
Sponsored by Minex
- Diamond Sector Best Reporter Award:
Judith Phiri Sunday News
Runner Up
Brenna Matendere Newshawks
Winner
Sponsored by ZCDC
- Chrome Sector Best Reporter Award:
Michael Magoronga Chronicle
Runner Up
Adelaide Moyo Financial Gazette
Winner
Sponsored by Zimasco
- Lithium Sector Best Reporter Award:
Sydney Kawadza Zimbabwe Independent
Runner Up
Theophilus Chuma ZBC
Winner
Sponsored by Bikita Minerals
- Overall Mining Sector Reporter of the Year Award:
Bernard Mpofu Newshawks
Winner
Sponsored by Kuvimba Mining House
