Story by Sifiso Sibanda
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for swift advancements in technology within the mining sector to optimise the exploration and extraction of mineral resources, towards economic growth.
He made these remarks during the commissioning of part of the Palm River Energy project in Beitbridge on Monday.
The adoption of advanced technology for the efficient extraction of high-value minerals has been identified as a crucial factor for driving economic progress, considering the country’s vast untapped potential.
President Mnangagwa further emphasised the importance of collaboration between mining industry stakeholders, higher education institutions, and professional bodies to promote sustainable mining practices.
“The mining sector needs a technological transformation, the partnership between Shanxi Engineering Vocational College, and Harare Polytechnic to carry out the college-enterprise project will go a long way towards up-skilling our young people in this sector,” he said.
“The project will provide scholarships for students to study in China in the fields of metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
“Under the programme there is scope for the establishment of a Metallurgical Centre of Excellence, with a focus on value addition and beneficiation. I would like to encourage the Zimbabwe School of Mines and other institutions of higher learning to enter into similar partnerships.”
The head of state said in line with the African Mining Vision, mineral value addition will ensure the country derives maximum benefits from its abundant natural resource endowments.
“The promotion of revenue from exports, job creation, economic diversification, and industrial development, reduced dependence on raw commodity prices, technological advancement, and improved local infrastructure development should be scaled up.”
Zimbabwe is leveraging its economy on minerals as a strategy to grow and expand its economy.
