Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has called for accelerated mineral beneficiation and value addition, saying Zimbabwe possesses the natural resources and human capital needed to become one of Africa’s leading economies.
Speaking after touring the exhibition stands at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition and Conference (ZIEC) Smart City, during the 29th Mine Entra exhibition in Bulawayo this Thursday, VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe possesses the mineral wealth and skilled workforce needed to emerge as one of Africa’s leading economies.
“There is no reason why we should be poor and why we should not grow,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is a mine itself. We should be number one on the African continent, and the world must know that there is a Zimbabwe that exists and that is where we want to get.”
The Vice President said beneficiation and value addition should become the cornerstone of the country’s mining industry, arguing that processing minerals locally would create employment, stimulate downstream industries and significantly increase export earnings.
He called on mining companies and investors to channel more resources towards mineral processing and manufacturing, describing value addition as critical to achieving Vision 2030 and building a resilient, industrialised economy.
During the tour, VP Chiwenga visited stands showcasing mining equipment, engineering solutions, digital technologies and locally manufactured products, commending exhibitors for embracing innovation and supporting Government’s industrialisation agenda.
The 29th edition of Mine Entra is being held under the theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation Through Mining Value Chains.” The exhibition has attracted 276 direct exhibitors, including 33 international exhibitors from eight countries, and is expected to draw more than 6 400 business visitors.
Mine Entra brings together mining companies, equipment manufacturers, technology providers, investors and policymakers to showcase innovations, promote investment and strengthen partnerships aimed at transforming Zimbabwe’s mining value chains.
