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Nqobile Tshili, nqobile.tshili@chrionicle.co.zw
THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust) is set to revolutionise mineral analysis in Zimbabwe through a ground-breaking partnership with Captive Sells, a leading Bulawayo-based supplier of mining equipment.
The collaboration will result in the establishment of a state-of-the-art mining and minerals laboratory within the prestigious Professor Phinias Makhurane Technovation Centre, inaugurated by President Mnangagwa last November.
The new laboratory will address a significant bottleneck in the mining sector — the costly and time-consuming necessity of exporting mineral samples for analysis. By providing on-site testing capabilities, Nust aims to significantly accelerate research, improve the characterisation of mineral deposits, and ultimately enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Bulawayo businessman Mr Brian Samuriwo, the visionary behind Captive Sells, has played a pivotal role in equipping the mining sector with cutting-edge technology.
Professor William Goriwondo, Nust’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Business Development, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership, stating that it will substantially enhance the university’s ability to contribute to the growth and development of Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
“This partnership has come at an opportune time, as we recently launched the Professor Phinias Makhurane Technovation Centre, which is intended to advance the principles of Education 5.0, which is heritage-based. As you may be aware, Zimbabwe is endowed with a wealth of mineral resources, and the gap we have observed relates to the testing and characterisation of these minerals.
“Many of them are actually being exported without value-addition or beneficiation. Therefore, the mandate of the university is to contribute towards achieving Vision 2030. We will use this partnership, particularly the mining laboratory, to test and characterise these minerals and then provide policy advice on beneficiation, value-addition, or any mineral leakages that may be occurring,” said Professor Goriwondo.
He explained that the establishment of the minerals laboratory will benefit all sectors of the mining industry, from artisanal miners to large-scale companies. He added that, in addition to testing and characterisation, the laboratory will offer guidance on the technologies needed in the mining sector.
The university has been informed that part of the equipment to be installed at the laboratory is currently being shipped into the country.
“The other advantage will be the exposure for our students. They will actually have access to the laboratory and will benefit from a hands-on approach to their studies,” said Professor Goriwondo.
“As we begin operations, we are bringing in an AA machine, which will serve as the starting point. Moving forward, we will identify and acquire all the necessary equipment for a mining and minerals laboratory.”
He added that Nust is already collaborating with several other institutions to ensure the country maximises its benefits from its mineral wealth.
“We have been engaged by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe to investigate the lithium value chain. They want us to assist in the characterisation of the lithium resource, and the project will subsequently identify opportunities in lithium exploration.”
Captive Sells Chief Executive Officer, Mr Samuriwo, stated that his company recognised the opportunity to leverage Nust’s technical expertise by partnering with the university to set up the laboratory.
“In the mining sector, we face significant challenges in the characterisation of mineral resources. While Nust will provide the technical expertise, we are primarily contributing equipment to equip the laboratory, as we recognise the need to furnish the Technovation Centre following its commissioning by His Excellency, Dr ED Mnangagwa.
“We have procured a drill rig, which will assist in the geological surveys of minerals. The drill rig, purchased in partnership with the Junior Chamber of Mines, of which I am president, is capable of taking samples up to about a kilometre deep. We have also acquired AA machines that will enhance the sampling of precious minerals, including gold, lithium, chrome, and platinum,” said Mr Samuriwo.
He noted that this initiative will address the issue of miners having to send samples abroad for testing. Even when samples were tested locally, the process was often protracted.
“This was not conducive to the ease of doing business. We hope to contribute to the transformation of the mining sector and bring efficiency, particularly in the classification of samples,” he said.
The partnership between Nust and Captive Sells aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision for economic development.
The President has emphasised that universities should take the lead in innovating for the country’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda. Collaboration with the private sector is expected to unlock funding opportunities.
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