Emulate Zimplats, Invest in value addition!
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando has urged Mining companies to emulate Zimplats’ initiative to invest in value addition and beneficiation to enable the country to benefit wholly from the proceeds of the mining sector.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Zimplats Expansion project commissioning ceremony in Ngezi on Wednesday, Minister Chitando commended Zimplats for establishing a value-addition plant at the same time encouraging other mining companies to follow suit.
He said companies should invest in new technologies and research for the sector to remain competitive.
“I urge other companies to follow in your footsteps and invest in value addition and beneficiation. Together, we can build a strong and prosperous economy that benefits all our people. As we move forward, we must continue to prioritize beneficiation and value addition in the mining industry. We must invest in new technologies, research, and development to ensure that we remain competitive and continue to add value to our mineral resources,” Minister Chitando said.
Speaking at the same event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Mr Pfungwa Kunaka also said mining firms should prioritize value addition and beneficiation.
“As we celebrate the commissioning of this plant, let us remember that this is just the beginning. We must continue to prioritize beneficiation and value addition in the mining industry, and we must work together to invest in new technologies, research, and development to ensure that we remain competitive and continue to add value to our mineral resources.”
“This plant represents a significant milestone in our country’s efforts to add value to our mineral resources and promote sustainable development in the mining industry,” Kunaka said.
The establishment of the plant is a testament to Zimbabwe’s commitment to value addition and beneficiation, which is critical for the growth and development of the country’s economy.
ZIMPLATS in one of its projects, intends to construct a Base Metal Refinery (BMR). This is another giant step forward in local mineral beneficiation and value addition, as the country moves towards full beneficiation of platinum in the country.
The sulphuric acid plant that the company intends to install will produce 100 kilotonnes per annum of sulphuric acid. The sulphuric acid will be used in the manufacturing of fertilizers in the country, thereby reducing acid imports.
ZIMPLATS also intends to develop a 110 MW solar power plant, with sufficient capacity to satisfy the needs of the company, including related mining and mineral beneficiation facilities.