Transform Mineral Resources Into Value Added Product-ZITF Chairman

By Shingirai Vambe

BULAWAYO- There is an urgent need to transform Zimbabwe’s raw materials and mineral resources into value-added products to create jobs and reduce overreliance on imports, a top industrialist said.

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company chairman, Busisa Moyo said this while addressing a business forum held on the sidelines of the 27th edition of the Mining, Engineering and Transport (Mine Entra) Expo at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.

This year’s theme, “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialisation Nexus,” resonates with the government’s ongoing policy focus on mineral value addition and beneficiation, leveraging increased local capacity in science, technology, and innovation.

The event comes at a time when the country`s mining sector is experiencing exponential growth across all sub-sectors, driven by technological advancements and a global shift towards renewable energy sources.

Moyo emphasized the necessity of transforming raw materials into value-added products.

“This transformation is crucial for creating jobs, boosting the economy, and reducing our reliance on imports amid the volatility of global commodity prices,” he said.

To achieve this transformation, Moyo highlighted the importance of innovation and the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices.

“As ZITF, we are pleased to provide a platform for showcasing these technological advancements,” he said.

Moyo described the conference as a pivotal moment for the mining industry, laying the groundwork for a future where mining not only contributes to the economy but also prioritizes sustainability and community well-being.

“Let us seize this opportunity to build partnerships, explore new avenues, and drive the mining sector forward,” he urged.

The chairperson also discussed the adoption of environmentally responsible practices, which are integral to the government’s Responsible Mining Audit Initiative.

“This initiative aims to mitigate the environmental impact of mining operations and promote compliance with sustainability standards,” he noted.

Moyo further elaborated on how innovations such as automation, digitisation, and use of artificial intelligence can address persistent challenges like low productivity and outdated equipment.

“We hope that this conference will assist local and regional companies in adopting these innovations to enhance efficiency and competitiveness,” he added.

The conference aims to attract both local and international investors by showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources and investment opportunities within the mining value chain, added Moyo.

“Our focus is on unlocking capital for exploration, infrastructure, and refining projects, aligning with our broader goals of enhancing foreign direct investment,” Moyo stated.

Addressing the same gathering, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando said there need to maximise on both downstream and upstream industries to boost productivity, emphasizing that Mine Entra facilitates increased production of goods within the country.

He praised the interaction between miners and suppliers, saying this engagement promotes the use of locally manufactured goods.
“The objective of such platforms is to ensure that nothing produced in the country should be imported,” he said.

Chitando encouraged ongoing collaboration between buyers and suppliers to ensure that as the industry grows, both value addition and production are achieved.

“As the mining sector expands, we want to maximize the number of products and services procured locally,” he asserted.
The minister also stressed the importance of compliance with all national laws, including environmental and employment regulations.

“As the mining industry grows and integrates into downstream and upstream activities, adherence to the Responsible Mining Initiative is essential.

“We are grateful for the launch of the Responsible Mining Initiative by President Mnangagwa. Together with a whole-of-government approach, we will continue to conduct responsible mining audits to ensure compliance with the country’s laws,” the minister concluded.

In his remarks at the launch of Mine Entra, President Mnangagwa emphasized that mining companies operating in Zimbabwe have a duty to protect the environment for both present and future generations.

He urged them to commit to strict adherence to environmental regulations while maintaining their social license to operate