By ZiMining Reporter
During a presentation at the Zimbabwe National Institute of Rock Engineering (ZINIRE) symposium in Bulawayo, Ope Muranda, a rock engineering academic from the Midlands State University, outlined the challenges of translating academic research into practical industry solutions.
ROCK engineering experts in Zimbabwe have called for stronger partnerships between academia and industry to improve the application of research in mining.
Emphasis on Collaboration
Muranda highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration between academia and industry stakeholders to foster knowledge transfer, innovation, and professional development.
He stressed that both sides would benefit from exchanging expertise, best practices, and cutting-edge technologies.
Symposium Focus
The ZINIRE symposium, held under the theme “Managing Fall of Ground into the Future,” provided a platform for discussing these issues.
Muranda urged both academics and rock engineers to work together for mutual benefit.
Addressing the Gap
“Despite advances in rock engineering, a significant gap remains between academic research and industry practice,” Muranda said.
This disconnect can hinder the implementation of new, scientifically supported practices in real-world scenarios.
Muranda proposed future-oriented models of collaboration, focusing on trust, shared ideation, and knowledge exchange.
Such approaches would allow industry professionals to benefit from current academic insights, while academia could ground its research in practical applications.
Impact on Innovation
Muranda noted that the lack of collaboration slows the development of new ideas and innovation, which are crucial for the rock engineering industry to keep pace with Zimbabwe’s rapidly growing mining sector.
He warned that insufficient communication and collaboration could lead to a skills mismatch, with academic programmes failing to equip students with the expertise needed in the industry.
Mutual Benefits
“The power of sharing and collaboration in rock engineering has shown clear mutual benefits,” Muranda said.
Collaborative efforts expose students to practical experience, with industry professionals providing real-world expertise.
Future Outlook
To advance rock engineering, bridging the gap between academia and industry is essential.
Stronger partnerships, better communication, and a commitment to shared innovation will drive progress and ensure the effective implementation of new practices.
By working together, both academia and industry can enhance the development and application of rock engineering techniques, benefiting the entire mining sector.
