Legislation for Mineral Value Addition: A Call to Action for Zimbabwe’s Youth
There is a pressing need for Zimbabwe to create a legislative framework that promotes the value addition of its abundant mineral resources, Chegutu Central Legislator Shakemore Timburwa said.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Leaders Forum and Awards 2024 on Wednesday in Harare, Hon. Shakemore Timburwa emphasized the critical role of legislative support in transforming Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth into sustainable economic growth.
“Heading with our policy framework is whereby we create a provision in our legislature that promotes the value addition of our minerals in Zimbabwe. For example, products like lithium, cobalt, uranium, and graphite are minerals that will be in high demand in the future because of electric vehicles, electrical gadgets, IT gadgets, and the technology sector. These industries will consume these particular minerals extensively,” Timburwa said.
Timburwa said he advocates for the development of a bill that mandates value addition and processing of these minerals within Zimbabwe, rather than allowing their extraction and export in raw form.
“From a legislative point of view, we should advocate for and develop a bill that prohibits the extraction of these minerals without value addition. The value addition and processing must be done in Zimbabwe. This is critical because it creates employment and provides significant tax breaks. We offer tax breaks to those who will undertake value addition in the country, making it an attractive environment for investors. Specifically, minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and uranium are the future,” Timburwa said.
He urged young people and mining professionals to persist in their efforts to enter the industry, particularly in value addition. He highlighted the importance of formalizing their companies and seeking partnerships with international firms to access financial support and essential processing equipment.
“Young people and mining professionals trying to break into the industry in terms of value addition should not give up. They should formalize their companies to establish partnerships with international firms, which can provide financial aid and necessary processing equipment. My advice to young Zimbabweans in the mining sector is that success is not about how much money you have, but how innovative and refined your idea is. This can attract larger players to partner with you through Zidera, leading to investments and the establishment of a bankable enterprise capable of value addition and employing many young Zimbabweans,” Timburwa said.