By Shadreck Gurenje
Minister Chitando has said Zimbabwe is a tried and tested mining jurisdiction with proven financial systems and mining framework.
Addressing delegates at the Africa Down Under Conference in Perth Australia, Mines and mining development Minister Hon Winston Chitando said Zimbabwe has a vibrant mining sector with the 2024 mineral exports at USD6.1 billion mainly anchored on PGMs, gold, lithium, diamonds and chrome among other minerals.
Africa Down Under (ADU) is the leading forum for Australian-African business and government relations and was first launched to raise awareness of Australia’s interests in African mining and energy.
“Zimbabwe has a vibrant mining sector with our 2024 mineral exports at USD 6.1 billion. This is anchored on PGMs, gold, lithium, diamonds and chrome among other minerals.
“The mining sector contributes 60 % of export receipts, 13% to the country’s gross domestic product 45 000 direct employees and thousands of artisanal and small miners.
“Zimbabwe has excellent geology, which is unique and highly prospective. Zimbabwe is a tried and tested mining jurisdiction with proven financial systems and mining framework, “said Minister Chitando.
Minister Chitando also took the opportunity to market the Second Republic’s mantra that Zimbabwe is open for business and welcome investments in the mining sector.
“Zimbabwe hosts the second largest platinum resources and the second largest reserves of chrome. “Demand for critical minerals is rising, and we are open to partnerships interested in extraction and local value addition and beneficiation of these minerals. There are opportunities for exploration of rare earth minerals within the country as well, with early exploration results positive.
“Zimbabwe is open for business, and we welcome investments in the mining sector which we are well endowed with a host of minerals, ”said Minister Chitando.
Minister Chitando also highlighted that under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe encourages sustainable mining practices and in 2024 the Head of State and Government President Mnangagwa launched phase one of the responsible mining initiative.
“Zimbabwe encourages sustainable mining practices and in 2024 we launched phase one of the responsible mining initiative.
” Responsible mining initiative entails that all mining operations should abide by the laws of the country particularly those related to the environment and social responsibility,” said Minister Chitando.