The Acting President, Gen (Rtd) Constantino G.D.N Chiwenga, has said that the Mine Entra conference is not merely an annual gathering, but rather a strategic convening of minds that shapes the future of the nation’s mining, engineering, and transport sectors.
He said this while officially opening the 28th edition of this year’s Mine Entra Conference at ZITF grounds in Bulawayo.
This year’s edition is running under the theme; “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining”.
He urged the delegates to come up with practical solutions and innovative ideas, noting that the mining sector is the backbone of the country’s export earnings.
“This conference is not merely an annual gathering, it is a strategic convening of minds shaping the future of our nation’s mining, engineering, and transport sectors. It provides a platform for robust dialogue, innovation and sustainable investment in one of Zimbabwe’s most vital industries.
“From the coalfields of Hwange to the gold bets of Penhalonga and the platinum corridors of the Great Dyke, our nation is abundantly blessed. Mining remains the backbone of our economy, contributing over seventy percent of export earnings, fourteen comma five percent of National Gross Domestic Product, supporting livelihoods of thousands of our people and anchoring industrial development.
“As we pursue Vision 2030 and transition from the National Development Strategy 1to the National Development Strategy 2, the mining sector remains pivotal to our national aspirations,” he said.
He eloquently described the theme for this year’s Mine Entra, “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” as both timely and visionary.
Consequently, he emphasized that the industry must go beyond mere extraction, embracing innovative approaches that ensure sustainable development and maximize benefits for the nation.
“The theme for this year’s Mine Entra, “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” is both timely and visionary. It challenges us to reimagine mining, to move beyond the traditional model of resource exploitation and embrace a future defined by beneficiation, innovation and community empowerment. “Beyond Extraction” demands that we move from exporting raw ore to exporting finished products.
“It requires that every tonne extracted translates into jobs created, industries built, and communities transformed. We must embed beneficiation and value addition as non-negotiable principles of our mining strategy,” said the Acting President.
He addressed key sectors within the mining and industry, reminding them of their critical roles in driving innovation, ensuring environmental sustainability, and fostering economic growth.
“To the miners, you are the custodians of our mineral wealth. Handle it with integrity. Exploit it responsibly. Protect it as a national trust, not a personal gain. Our thrust as Government is to ensure everyone benefits from the mining sector, including future generations.
“To the suppliers and service providers, you are the arteries of the mining ecosystem. Your expertise in equipment, logistics, and support keeps this industry alive. To the processors and off takers, the era of raw minerals exports must give way to beneficiation and value addition. Mining must now drive industrialization, create jobs and support downstream sectors.
“To the investors, both local and international, Zimbabwe remains open for business, not for extraction. We seek mutual partnerships that ensure the minerals beneath our soil empower all our people. We are modernising our regulatory frameworks and aligning with global best practices.
“The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, now gazetted, modernizes our mining regime. It dovetails with global best practices by enforcing accountability, transparency and corporate social responsibility. It ensures that every investor operates ethically, every project benefits communities, and every operation protects the environment. It will result in mining translating into tangible benefits to communities through development of Schools, clinics, roads and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
He further said that government would implement strict regulations and oversight to combat corruption in the mining sector, emphasizing that corruption, illicit trading, and leakages undermine public trust and deprive citizens of their rightful benefits.
Additionally, he commended recent strategic projects like Palm River Energy Metallurgical Plant and the Zimplats Smelter Expansion and Abatement Project, emphasizing the need for a fully integrated mining value chain that leverages technology, innovation, and collaboration to drive efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness.
Accordingly, he emphasized that Zimbabwe’s mining sector expansion would be driven by sustainable practices, exploration, and value addition, aligning with national and regional frameworks like the Africa Mining Vision and SADC Protocol on Mining.
Minister of Mines, Hon. Winston Chitando, noted the mining industry’s rapid growth and vast potential.
“The mining industry is growing at a very fast pace in all various numeral sectors, but more importantly the drive for value addition and beneficiation is beginning to bear fruit.
“We have various initiatives in the Platinum sector, in the Lithium sector whereby early next year we will have production of Lithium Sulphate. The mining industry is indeed growing,” said hon Chitando.
He added,” This year’s theme is very important, Acting President, the future of mining hinged on stakeholders who follow the ethos and principles of responsible mining. There is no space for players who are not following the ethos of responsible mining. Phase one of responsible mining was launched about two years back, and phase two will be launched soon, and it will ensure everyone mines in a responsible manner and that they are penalties on those who do not mine responsibly”.
In conclusion, Acting President reiterated that Mine Entra is a game-changer, urging industry leaders to seize opportunities for partnerships, investments, and policy alignment that will shape Zimbabwe’s future.
The event was attended by several cabinet ministers, including Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Hon. Judith Ncube; Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon Felix Mhona, Minister of Industry and Commerce Hon Mangaliso Ndhlovu, Board Chairman ZITF Company, Dr. Busisa Moyo and other dignitaries from the ministry of Mines.
The 28th edition of the Mine Entra is running concurrently with the 3rd edition of the AfriConfex 2025 Conference at the same venue.
Hon Minister Mhona presided the official opening of the AfriConfex yesterday.
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Story by Jeremiah Gora
