Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
GEOLOGICAL exploration and mineral beneficiation will take centre stage at this year’s Mining Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra), as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to unlock the full potential of its mining value chain.
The exhibition, scheduled for July 29 to 31 in Bulawayo, will focus on exploration as a critical step towards expanding mining investment and supporting value addition.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Engineer Fred Moyo said this year’s discussions will prioritise exploration as the foundation for sustainable growth in the sector.
“Mine Entra will follow the same route of special exhibitions, but the business section will focus on discussions around exploration. We cannot run mines or open big mines if we do not carry out robust exploration programmes or processes.”
The Zimbabwe School of Mines is already supporting the beneficiation agenda by equipping students with practical skills in gemstone cutting, polishing and geological technologies.
One lecturer said students receive hands-on training in gemstone processing.
“Here, we teach our students how to process and cut gemstones. First, we do preform and reshaping, then polish a bit, before carrying out the final polishing.”
Another lecturer highlighted the institution’s use of modern geological technologies.
“We equip our students to be able to integrate overlays and check for early encroachment.”
Zimbabwe School of Mines Principal Mr Edwin Gwaze said the country’s shift towards local processing has increased demand for specialised skills.
“With the direction that the country has taken, including the ban on the export of raw ores, we must have skilled people to undertake value addition. The school is already training students in gemstone cutting and polishing.”
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company Chief Executive Officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele said the expo’s theme reflects the drive to retain more value from the country’s mineral resources.
“The essence of this theme is to foreground beneficiation and value addition, ensuring that a significant part of the value chain is domesticated. We seek to achieve this by connecting different players in the mining value chain.”
Mining contributes between 12 and 15 percent of Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and remains one of the country’s leading export sectors.
This year’s Mine Entra will be held under the theme: “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation through Mining Value Chains.”
