The Minister of Mines and Mining Development has implored Zimbabwe’s mining sector to embrace innovation and strategic partnerships with Swedish companies to boost its global competitiveness, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Ryan Chigoche
He made these remarks while delivering his keynote address at the recently concluded Sweden-Zimbabwe Sustainability in Mining Expo, which brought together Swedish business leaders, policymakers, and Zimbabwean industry stakeholders.
Addressing delegates, Minister Winston Chitando emphasized the importance of leveraging Sweden’s expertise in mining technology and sustainability. He called for a focused effort to improve efficiency and strengthen Zimbabwe’s position in the international market.
As global standards evolve, Chitando stressed the need for mining companies to adopt cutting-edge solutions to stay competitive. He noted that to meet international demand for cost-effective and responsibly sourced minerals, Zimbabwean miners must align with global best practices. This will not only secure long-term investment but also ensure sustained growth for the sector.
Chitando further emphasized that for Zimbabwe to thrive in the global mining market, local companies must enhance their efficiency and competitiveness.
“Wherever you are mining, the bottom line is you have to compete internationally. The buyer, when he looks at platinum, he wants platinum. Whether it’s from Zimbabwe or from another country, he wants the platinum with the same characteristics at a competitive price. So it means mining companies have to be extremely competitive.”
“Sweden has managed to develop products and services that enhance efficiency and can be exported to other countries. For Zimbabwe’s mining sector, we are here to explore how we can harness some of these innovations to remain competitive and strengthen our foothold in the industry,” he said.
He further noted that while Zimbabwe is fortunate to have rich and competitive ore bodies, staying ahead in the global mining industry requires continuous improvements in technology and efficiency.
“We are fortunate as a country to have ore bodies that are competitive. But for us to maintain and expand our presence in the market, we must enhance our competitiveness through efficient extraction and technological advancements,” he added.
The event, focused on sustainable mining solutions tailored to Zimbabwe’s unique challenges, provided local stakeholders with the opportunity to explore advanced Swedish technologies that could drive efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Sweden, known for its innovative mining sector, has developed world-class solutions that Zimbabwean miners could adopt to modernize their operations and boost productivity.
For local industry players, the event presented a unique opportunity to learn from Swedish expertise and explore how these technologies could be adapted to Zimbabwe’s specific mining conditions. The discussions and collaborations that emerged from the event had the potential to drive meaningful change in the sector, helping mining companies align with global best practices while remaining economically viable.
Meanwhile, the event also highlighted innovative technical solutions aimed at reducing environmental and social impacts while addressing key policy issues from both Zimbabwean and Swedish perspectives. The expo fostered lasting partnerships for a more sustainable mining future, recognizing the sector’s crucial role in both the green transition and economic development.
Speaking at the event, Sweden’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgärde, underscored Zimbabwe’s role in the global mining industry and the importance of sustainable growth.
“I believe we all recognize the mining sector’s importance for the green transition as well as for supporting economic development. In other words, increased mining is necessary for economic growth and for the green transition to happen. Zimbabwe is indeed a key player in the global mining industry. It possesses abundant critical minerals essential for the energy transition, such as platinum and lithium,” he said.
Lindgärde further emphasized that unlocking Zimbabwe’s full mining potential required robust infrastructure and strategic investments in technology.
“Realizing the full potential of Zimbabwe’s mining industry requires a robust and well-connected infrastructure network. The Swedish mining and mineral industry drives technological change and the green transition globally. Swedish companies can contribute to unlocking Zimbabwe’s potential through investments, advanced mining technologies, and sustainable practices,” he added.
Sweden has long been at the forefront of sustainable mining innovation, with industry giants such as Sandvik, Epiroc, Scania, Ericsson, and ABB leading the charge. These companies are renowned for their advancements in responsible resource extraction, environmental management, and digital transformation. Their expertise in integrating renewable energy, optimizing waste management, and improving operational efficiency has served as a model for Zimbabwean stakeholders looking to transition toward more sustainable mining practices.
The expo followed discussions initiated by the Swedish Embassy and business representatives during a visit to Johannesburg last year, where Zimbabwe was identified as a key player in the global mining sector.
With Sweden keen to strengthen business ties, particularly in mining technology and related industries, the event provided a platform for both countries to explore potential partnerships that could benefit Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
As global demand for responsibly sourced minerals continues to rise, Zimbabwean mining companies need to position themselves as competitive players by adopting modern technologies and improving efficiency. Strengthening ties with Sweden could provide the expertise and innovations needed to help Zimbabwean miners stay ahead in an increasingly competitive global market.
As Zimbabwe strives to modernize its mining sector and tackle pressing environmental and social concerns, embracing innovative solutions becomes more critical than ever. This exclusive networking event served as a key forum for fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and shaping the future of responsible mining in the country.
