The Young Miners Foundation has made a passionate appeal for greater support from banks, established miners, and the Ministry of Mines to help young miners under the age of forty succeed in the sector. Speaking at the 2025 Southern Region Minex Expo held at Gresham Grounds in Zvishavane, YMF CEO Payne Kupfuwa highlighted the challenges faced by young miners and called for collaborative efforts to ensure their growth and sustainability in the industry.
Kupfuwa urged the Ministry of Mines to assist young miners in securing claims, emphasizing that many youths are losing hope due to financial struggles and lack of direction. He stressed the need for structured guidance to prevent young miners from moving aimlessly and incurring losses. Additionally, he appealed to established miners within the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector, as well as large-scale operators, to provide mentorship programs that would equip young miners with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive.
Addressing financial institutions, Kupfuwa called for partnerships with the YMF to create sustainable funding models for young miners. He emphasized the importance of treating mining as a viable business opportunity rather than a quick money-making scheme. The YMF has developed mechanisms to mitigate financial risks, ensuring that banks and other lenders can support young miners with greater confidence.
The 2025 Southern Region Minex Expo was well-attended by miners, government representatives, and financial institutions, showcasing strong industry collaboration. The event was made possible through the support of key sponsors, including platinum miner Mimosa, FirstLink Insurance, Old Mutual, CABS Bank, ZB Bank, and the Mining Industry Pension Fund, among others.
The expo served as a crucial platform for networking and knowledge-sharing, reinforcing the need for collective efforts to empower young miners. With the right support, the YMF believes that young miners can play a transformative role in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, driving innovation and sustainable growth. The foundation remains committed to advocating for policies and partnerships that will enable youth participation and long-term success in the industry.
