At the Sweden-Zimbabwe Sustainable Mining Expo held in Harare, Business Sweden, the Swedish trade and investment promotion agency, highlighted numerous partnership opportunities for the Zimbabwean mining sector, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Ryan Chigoche
The event served as a platform for discussing how Sweden’s long history of mining, combined with its commitment to cutting-edge technologies, could contribute to modernizing Zimbabwe’s mining industry. Both Swedish and Zimbabwean officials explored potential collaborations that could drive growth, sustainability, and innovation in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Sweden’s Expertise in Mining: A Path to Growth
Sweden, known for its global leadership in mining technology and sustainability, has a mining sector built on centuries of expertise. Companies like Epiroc and Sandvik account for over 65% of the world’s underground mining equipment, and with a population of just 10 million, Sweden has established itself as a dominant force in the global mining market. Swedish mining practices are renowned not only for efficiency but also for their environmental responsibility, making them an attractive model for Zimbabwe, which seeks to expand its mining sector while addressing sustainability concerns.
Presenting on what Sweden can offer to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, Sarah Radu, the Trade Commissioner for Business Sweden, emphasized the country’s technological expertise and commitment to sustainable practices.
“In Sweden, we’ve been doing mining for over 1,000 years, but at the same time, we are often seen as one of the most innovative countries in the world,” she said. “We have a fantastic mix of both a long and strong tradition, as well as the skillset needed to drive innovation.”
She further noted that Sweden’s mining technology could play a key role in helping Zimbabwe modernize its mining industry.
“What Sweden can offer to Zimbabwe is not only in terms of technology but also in terms of knowledge transfer, research and development, and digital transformation,” Sarah explained. “We have the world’s deepest underground iron mine, and we are continuously striving for better practices that can be shared internationally.”
Zimbabwe’s Mining Growth: Opportunities for Swedish Companies
At the same expo, Mzi Chizura, Head of Business Development at Sandvik, a global engineering group, outlined the numerous opportunities available in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, especially for Swedish investors. His presentation highlighted several areas of potential growth, from small-scale operations to larger industrial ventures. He specifically emphasized the role of technological innovation, investment, and sustainability in the ongoing development of Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Gold Sector Expansion
The gold sector, he noted, is witnessing significant growth, especially within the small-scale mining segment, which plays a vital role in Zimbabwe’s gold exports. He pointed to efforts such as Magaya’s work in making small-scale deposits viable, illustrating the potential for further development in this area.
Additionally, medium-scale operations are expanding, particularly in brownfields and narrower reefs. Large players like Caledonia’s Blanket Mine expansion and Bilbo’s new projects are contributing to the sector’s growth, and Chizura estimated that the gold market could soon generate as much as $1 billion annually.
Platinum, Lithium, and Diamonds: Diverse Opportunities
He also emphasized the immense potential within Zimbabwe’s platinum, lithium, and diamond sectors. While the platinum industry offers long-term growth with valuable assets, lithium projects such as Substar, Prospect, and Zulu are drawing increasing attention. Zimbabwe’s known diamond deposits in the Eastern Highlands and southern regions also hold significant promise. He encouraged both local and international investors to explore these growing sectors.
Technological Innovation and Investment for Swedish Companies
Other opportunities for Swedish companies were centered on technology, particularly in automation and digital solutions. Swedish equipment remains in high demand across both small-scale and large-scale mining operations. Automation is increasingly seen as a crucial factor for modern mining, with digital solutions improving efficiency and sustainability. These technological advancements offer Swedish companies the chance to make a major impact in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Chizura also identified an important opportunity in providing technological solutions for smaller-scale miners, many of whom lack the necessary knowledge to implement these systems. This presents a valuable opportunity for companies to support and drive efficiency and sustainability in this vital segment of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Financing and Trade: Growing Opportunities
The financing landscape in Zimbabwe also offers numerous opportunities, with Swedish financial institutions playing a pivotal role in bringing capital into the sector. Chizura cited successful partnerships with Swedish EKN and Sandvik Credit as instrumental in facilitating access to financing for both large- and small-scale mining projects.
Additionally, trade in mining equipment continues to grow, with approximately $140 million in equipment imports recorded last year, underscoring the high demand for Swedish technology and expertise.
Research, Development, and Skills Exchange
Looking toward the future, Chizura highlighted research and development as crucial for unlocking Zimbabwe’s mining potential, particularly in steep regions such as those found in platinum mining. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to tap into these hard-to-reach resources and noted that Sweden’s advancements in mining technology could play a vital role in overcoming these challenges.
Skills development was another key area, with Chizura stressing the importance of collaboration between Zimbabwe and international partners to bridge the skills gap in the local workforce.
“Skills exchange is one of the biggest strengths we need to advance to the next level,” he said, pointing to the critical need for ongoing development and training within the sector.
Sustainable Mining and Beneficiation
Chizura also touched on the growing global focus on sustainability in mining. Zimbabwe has considerable potential to implement sustainable mining practices, particularly in the beneficiation of platinum and other minerals. He pointed to the importance of bringing refining capabilities into the country, which could lead to significant downstream opportunities, such as hydrogen fuel cell production—an area of increasing interest worldwide.
Business Sweden’s participation in the Sweden-Zimbabwe Sustainable Mining Expo underscored the growing opportunities for collaboration between Sweden and Zimbabwe in the mining sector. Both nations are committed to leveraging technology, sustainability, and innovation to drive growth and success.
By partnering together, Swedish companies and Zimbabwe’s mining industry can create a more sustainable, efficient, and prosperous future.
