Britain in Talks with Government, Chamber for Greater Role in Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector
The United Kingdom is advancing its role in Zimbabwe’s mining sector through discussions with key stakeholders. British officials told Mining Zimbabwe that they are negotiating with both the Ministry of Mines and the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (CoMZ) to formalize a strategic partnership as Zimbabwe aims to revitalize its mining industry and attract more foreign investment.
By Ryan Chigoche
The discussions reflect a broader UK interest in Zimbabwe’s mineral resources, which are crucial for global supply chains. British firms are exploring ways to contribute expertise in mining technology, finance, and environmental management to support Zimbabwe’s goals of increasing local value addition and ensuring responsible mining practices.
Currently, only a few British companies are involved in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, including Anglo American, Kavango Resources, and Cluff Africa, which have shown interest in further investments.
Martin Alsop, Deputy Development Director at the British Embassy in Harare, said on the sidelines of a recent event that talks are progressing with the government and the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe to formalize partnerships. The aim is to increase UK involvement in the local mining sector, focusing on responsible mining and value addition.
“Mining is a relatively new area for us at the embassy, but we are in talks with both the Chamber of Mines and the ministry to formalize our partnership through an agreement,” Alsop stated. He emphasized the UK’s commitment to leveraging its mining expertise to support Zimbabwe, particularly in areas such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. “One of our key priorities is ensuring the mining we support is responsible, with good labour and environmental standards.”
Alsop also highlighted the importance of adding value to Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
“We understand that value addition is a priority for the government, and we are exploring how the UK can help. While the UK may not directly engage in large-scale processing, there are other ways we can contribute, such as through mining services, finance, and other support functions.”
Zimbabwe’s mining sector is highly diversified, with close to 40 different minerals, including platinum group metals (PGMs), chrome, gold, coal, lithium, and diamonds. The country holds the world’s second-largest platinum deposits and high-grade chromium ores, with approximately 2.8 billion tons of PGM and 10 billion tons of chromium ore. The sector contributes around 12% of the country’s GDP and 80% of national exports.
Opportunities in Zimbabwe’s mining sector extend beyond direct investment in mining. There is significant demand for heavy underground mining machinery, transportation infrastructure, and power generation solutions. The government’s push to increase domestic production of value-added mineral products will require larger capital investments compared to the current model of exporting unprocessed resources.
However, the UK’s involvement will need to navigate challenges, including economic sanctions, regulatory hurdles, and shifting political dynamics. UK investment in Zimbabwe’s mining sector has historically been significant, with British firms engaged in various roles, from direct mining operations to technological partnerships.
Zimbabwe has been implementing reforms to attract foreign investment, including efforts to streamline regulations and enhance transparency. While this presents opportunities for UK investors, it also comes with risks. The evolving regulatory landscape and ethical considerations surrounding investment—such as adherence to human rights and environmental standards—remain key.
Looking ahead, British companies are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, provided they can navigate the complex challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The future of UK investment will largely depend on the stability of Zimbabwe’s regulatory environment and international relations.