ZSM is a leading training institution, whose mandate is pivotal to the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe. Close to a century, from inception in 1926 the School still prides itself in producing competent mining practitioners extremely in demand in the SADC region and internationally. ZSM is renowned for its uniqueness, dynamism and vibrancy in the mining industry.
Our History
| 1926 | Gifford High School -Conceptualisation of School of Mines and operationalisation. |
| 1927 | Through Mr P H Gifford and company of four, the Bulawayo Technical School was engaged to discuss transfer. |
| 1934 | The School of Mines moved from Gifford High School to be under the Bulawayo Technical School. Mr Roland Starkey (the Mining Representative) prepared a scheme for starting the School of Mines. |
| 1936 | The School of Mines became a fully -fledged mining department at Bulawayo Technical School. |
| 1991 | MM&MD & COMZ lobbied for the transfer of the School from the Ministry of Higher Education to the Ministry of Mines. |
| 1992-1993 | Decision was reached to move the School from the Ministry of Education and from the Bulawayo School of Mines. |
| 1994 | The School of Mines moved to the Killarney Campus premises thereby obtaining a Presidential Charter to be an independent entity under the Ministry of Mines & Mining Development and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (representing the private sector). The Government of Zimbabwe signed a protocol with the Canadian Government to assist the development of Zimbabwe of Mines and the first Principal Mr D Hemmingway was seconded to the School. The Charter was signed on the 20th of May 1994. A board of Management was created to run the affairs of the School. |
Management structure
The ZSM has a Board of Management which consists of members from the private sector (i.e. Chamber of Mines and professional mining institutions) the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development (MM&MD), South African Development Community (SADC), Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO), Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education (ZIMCHE) and the University of Zimbabwe. The Board is chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the MM&MD.
The Principal sits on the Board of Management as an ex-officio member. The Board of Management has got four subcommittees namely the Administration & Human Resources, Finance, Audit & Risk and Academic Committees.
The Senior Management team of the School is composed of the Principal, Finance Manager, Training and Operations Manager, Registrar, Head Human Resources & Administration Manager and the Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager.
Vision: –To be the world-class trainer of choice for the SADC Mining industry by 2030
Mission Statement: We produce internationally recognized hands-on practitioners for the mining industry.
| Core Value | Description |
| Excellence | We are committed to delivering consistent high-quality service, teaching, and research. |
| Accountability | We are responsible for our actions, behaviour and results. |
| Innovation | We are dedicated to discovery and implementation of cutting-edge technological ideas. |
| Integrity | We do the right things all the time. |
| Teamwork | We believe in working well together. |
Training programmes
The School offers Diplomas (three years) which are accredited by the Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO) and appropriate professional organizations are offered in the following disciplines: –
- Diplomas & Certificates
- Mining Geology (3 years)
- Mine Surveying (3 years)
- Mining Engineering (3 years)
- Mining Engineering – Shaft Technician (3 years)
- Metallurgical Assaying (3 years)
- Metallurgical Engineering (3 years)
- Mine Ventilation & Environmental Engineering (3 years)
- Small Scale Mining – Certificate (1 year)
- Gemstone Cutting & Polishing Certificate (1 year)
The Diploma courses are three characterised by first and third years undertaking campus face to face tuition/lectures and supervised mine visits for practical work and practical training during vacations. Examinations are semesterized.
The second year work related learning at the mine ensures the student undergoes supervised practical logged training A project is submitted after completion of the one year work related attachment.
- Blended Learning
- Diploma in Mining Engineering
- Diploma in Mine Surveying
- Diploma in Mining Geology
- Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering
The above courses are designed for the mining cadets who have at least three years related mining experience. Students training Mining on this programme, a Blasting Licence Certificate is required for them to be considered under this programme. All courses require a blue card as a proof of mining experience and a recommendation letter from the employer.
The National Diploma courses are characterised by two years on campus continuous face to face learning at the end of each month and online learning. All lecture notes, presentations and other related learning materials are uploaded online with final examinations at the end of each semester.
- Higher Diplomas (1 year)
Higher Diploma courses are designed to develop a highly competent and versatile Mining, Geological, Mine Survey and Metallurgical Technologist with proven practical hands on knowledge, equipped with contemporary managerial and good corporate governance skills.
The ZSM HD graduate will not only understand the practice of mining but also champion Mining as general business enterprises. The following HND Diplomas are superintended by Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO).
- Mining Geology
- Mine Surveying
- Mining Engineering
- Mining Engineering – Shaft Technician
- Metallurgical Assaying
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mine Ventilation & Environmental Engineering
Training is conducted on block release. The first block commences in January and the final block comprising of end of block examinations are scheduled for October-November in that respective year. On the job training and project is done the following year after successful completion of the requirements of the block programme above.
Entry Qualifications
Students wishing to undertake any of the courses offered by the ZSM should have at least the following:
- 5 (Five) Ordinary Level subjects at grade C or better including:
English Language, Mathematics, Science (Physics, Physical Science, Chemistry or Integrated Science) only certificates are required – results slips are not acceptable. Maximum of two sittings only for O’ Level.
- A level is an added advantage (at least 2 points).
An Application fee as per the guidelines on the form (can be paid through the www.topup.co.zw website.
Short Courses
The Business Development Unit spearheads expansion and widening of ZSM courses. The following face to face and online short courses are on offer
