Mine Entra 2024 Exceeds Expectations With Record Participation

Post Business Reporter

The 24th edition of Mining, Engineering and Transport (Mine Entra) expo held at Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre has exceeded expectations with a notable increase in both local and international exhibitors, event organizers said.

In a media briefing following three days of high-level business networking and engagement, Chairman of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company Busisa Moyo, expressed satisfaction with the market response to Mine Entra 2024, despite a shift in its traditional calendar placement and a relatively short preparation time.

This year’s exhibition showcased a diverse array of products catering to both large- and small-scale mining operations.

The showcase ran under the theme, “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialization Nexus.”

“Some of the other products which were on display included mining and mineral processing equipment, detection and lifting equipment, chemicals and explosives, compressors, protective clothing and equipment, seals, bearings and gears, drones, as well as medical aid, financial, safety and security services,” noted the chairman.

 He said the exhibition occupied a total of 7,828 square metres, surpassing the initial target of 7,500 square meters, representing a 20% increase in space occupancy compared to last year’s 6,544 square metres.

The chairman added that a total of 289 exhibitors participated in the event, comprising 241 direct exhibitors and 248 indirect exhibitors.

“This marks a 41 percent increase from the previous year, where 204 exhibitors took part, with 23 percent of this year’s exhibitors participating for the first time.

 “Geographically, 60 percent of exhibitors hailed from Harare, 26 percent from Bulawayo, six percent from other Zimbabwean cities, and eight percent were foreign exhibitors.

“Notably, international participation surged by 91 percent, with 23 foreign exhibitors representing China, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

“Attendance was robust, with 2,536 business visitors recorded by 10 AM on Friday, representing locals and 16 other countries, including Botswana, China, Ghana, India, Iran, Japan, Malawi, Namibia, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States,”Moyo said.

The chairman highlighted that this year’s event provided a unique platform for multi-stakeholder engagement on key thematic areas, including promoting value chain development in mining, advancing innovation and technology, spurring industrialization, and adopting sustainable business practices.

“We are thrilled with the feedback, as we hope the interactions and connections made over the past three days will lead to business deals, joint ventures, partnerships, and foreign direct investment, all essential for expanding mining operations and enhancing export capabilities,” Moyo stated.

He also pointed out that networking initiatives such as the Buyers Programme, Mining Industry Suppliers Forum, Women in Mining Conference, and the Small-Scale and Artisanal Miners Conference were major highlights, facilitating stronger and targeted business connections.

“Exhibitors have expressed satisfaction with these initiatives, noting that they foster direct linkages with the mining industry,” Moyo concluded.

The mining industry is Zimbabwe’s major economic centre piece contributing over 75 percent of national export earnings anchored by gold, which is the country’s biggest export earner expected to generate US$4 billion annually while platinum — the second largest export earner in 2023 – generated US$2,1 billion against a projection of US$3 billion.