Story by Grace Sibanda
SUPPLIERS in the mining industry have been implored to be innovative and contribute more towards the growth of the sector, which has set a target to be a US$12 billion industry by the end of the year.
The mining sector has been on a tremendous growth trajectory since the coming-in of the Second Republic, with suppliers occupying 40 percent of the mining value chain.
This was revealed at the Mining Suppliers Forum held on the sidelines of Mine-Entra where suppliers were implored to be innovative in providing mining solutions.
A mining supplier said, “Local suppliers need to be supported through investment in the communities in which they operate to ensure sustainability and beneficiaries of livelihoods.”
“Miners need to be aware of growing mining trends and put their feet in exploring those opportunities. There is a need for innovative solutions to replace old models and we need our local suppliers to do more in terms of producing mining materials locally to further grow our local economy and be part of value addition,” said another supplier.
More emphasis was directed towards promoting the use of local factors of production, thus strengthening linkages between suppliers and producers.
Chamber of Mines president, Mr Thomas Gono said, “The suppliers sector remains a critical component in the mining industry value chain. Demonstrating this is our JSP committee which spearheads the strengthening of linkages between the suppliers’ sector and the mining sector and has achieved key milestones through the local enterprise development initiatives.”
Principal director of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Mr Charles Tahwa said, “Innovation and collaboration are keys to a sustainable mining industry. Only through working together, suppliers and miners can ensure that the mining industry continues to play a vital role in our economy for many years to come.”
In line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, the mining industry is fostering stronger linkages with other sectors of the economy for the benefit of the country.
