Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is convinced that value addition and beneficiation in the mining sector will lead to accelerated modernisation, industrialisation, and diversification of the country’s economy.
He was speaking at the official opening of the 26th edition of the Mining, Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine ENTRA) in Bulawayo this Thursday.
This is an exhibition which brings together players in the mining, engineering and transport sectors.
In his address, President Mnangagwa spoke about the importance of technology in mining.
The 2023 edition of the mining showcase is among other key issues biased towards the critical role of technology in mining, a move which has left President Mnangagwa convinced that the country is on the right track.
“Emphasis of this year’s edition on the importance of transformative technologies, energy transition and critical minerals in the mining industry is applauded; especially because the mining sector has a central role in the acceleration of modernisation and industrialisation of our country, the SADC region and Africa as a whole. As the mining sector and related value chain industries, you have far-reaching impacts on a broad array of sectors in our national economy. Discussions at this Conference must therefore be undertaken with this broader context in mind,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Head of State emphasised that value addition in the mining sector must lead to the expansion of the range of products over and above increasing revenue.
The President said, “Accelerating Economic Transformation Through Mineral Beneficiation,’ should not only maximise the benefits of the mining sector in terms of revenue but more importantly, expand the range of products that must be locally developed and manufactured within our jurisdiction and the African continent. This theme resonates with my government’s ongoing thrust to ensure that our grassroots communities and the citizenry at large enjoy the benefits of our rich mineral resource base.”
The mining sector is key to the growth of the country’s economy as it contributes significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Enhanced value addition and beneficiation should result in the accelerated modernisation industrialisation and diversification of our economy. Additionally, increased investment in value addition and beneficiation should see Zimbabwe graduating to become a world-class exporter of processed minerals and related products. Further, the setting up of world-class mines and processing facilities, coupled with vibrant metallurgical and manufacturing industries should equally be prioritised,” said President Mnangagwa.
The sector is also on a growth trajectory as noted by the President.
“To date, I am pleased with the continuing growth trajectory of the mining sector. Some of the key mining projects which have recorded notable growth since the last 25th Edition of Mine include the expansion of Pickstone Peerless Mine, Unki, Mimosa and ZIMPLATS concentrator capacity expansion projects, as well as the Karo Resources Mine Exploration Project,” said the President.
Before officially opening the mining showcase, President Mnangagwa toured exhibition stands, and he was impressed with what he saw.
He said, “I am told that most of the technologies here are our own. We are on course to attain this. We had said we need to be self-sufficient in our domestic technology. Most of the young boys and girls have confidence in themselves. This is the confidence we want in our people.”
The Mine ENTRA which started this Wednesday will end on Friday.
