Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’S mining sector has recorded mineral sales exceeding US$4 billion during the first five months of 2026, underscoring its continued role as a major driver of export earnings and economic growth.
Figures obtained by ZBC News from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development show sustained growth across the industry as Government intensifies efforts to promote value addition and beneficiation.
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Honourable Polite Kambamura said the sector remains on course to increase export receipts and strengthen its contribution to the economy.
“We are on course to increase export receipts and maximise the sector’s contribution to the economy. That is why we convened this meeting, to enhance teamwork and ensure that we meet the targets we have set as a Ministry.
“We are focusing on improving performance across key sub-sectors, including gold mining, lithium value chains and platinum group metals, which continue to make significant contributions to export earnings,” he said.
Honourable Kambamura said collaboration, accountability and efficient service delivery are essential to unlocking the industry’s full potential and achieving national development objectives.
“Mining is the heartbeat of our economy. It is the single largest contributor to export earnings and one of the key pillars in our journey towards attaining an upper-middle-income economy under the National Development Strategy 2.
“However, the sector cannot rise above the institutions that govern it. If we want a world-class mining industry, we must first build a world-class Ministry capable of effectively supporting and regulating the sector,” he added.
The sector is also expected to benefit from favourable global commodity prices, which continue to support prospects for mineral exports and investment.
Mining remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign currency, accounting for more than 60 percent of the country’s export earnings annually.
With mineral sales surpassing US$4 billion in the first five months of the year and continued investment in value addition and beneficiation, the industry is positioned to sustain its growth trajectory and make a significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda.
