ZIDA Digital Platform Aims to Boost Small-Scale Mining Operations
The Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) has enhanced its digital platform to connect small-scale miners with potential investors, providing a significant boost to the growth and development of the mining sector, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the ZMF Small to Medium-Scale Conference, held last Friday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre on the sidelines of the Mining Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra) in Bulawayo, ZIDA’s Chief Investment Promotion Officer, Mrs Silibaziso Chizwina, emphasized the platform’s potential to unlock opportunities for small-scale miners.
Previously, small-scale miners were required to pay a fee to be listed on the platform. However, ZIDA has now eliminated this requirement, making the platform free to use to promote small-scale mining and facilitate access to investors.
“This platform is a game-changer for small-scale miners. It provides a direct link to investors who are eager to invest in the mining sector,” said Mrs. Chizwina.
“We believe that this platform will not only help small-scale miners grow but also contribute to the overall development of the mining sector,” she added.
The platform is expected to attract both local and foreign investors seeking to capitalize on Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources. By facilitating connections between miners and investors, ZIDA aims to promote sustainable mining practices, creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
The ZIDA claim-matching platform allows small-scale miners to showcase their mining claims to potential investors, including financiers, technical partners, and equity partners. This can help miners secure the necessary funding and expertise to expand their operations and increase profitability.
In September last year, ZIDA launched an online platform aimed at linking mining claim holders with potential local and foreign investors to establish partnerships that could address funding gaps.
The platform allows investors to connect with claim holders in Zimbabwe and express their interest in investing. Mining claim holders are expected to gain increased access to potential investors worldwide. The platform profiles mining claims, making them more attractive to investors, and provides a transparent and secure way for claim holders to connect with potential partners.
To access the platform, investors are required to register and submit relevant information, such as contact details, investment objectives, and the type of mining claim they are interested in. Once an investor’s registration has been approved, they will be able to view registered mining claims and express their interest.
Investors are then given further details to contact and negotiate directly with the identified claim holders on a one-on-one basis, subject to claim availability.