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Exploration Holds Zimbabwe’s Greatest Investment Promise, Says Chitando
The Government of Zimbabwe has identified mineral exploration as one of the country’s most promising investment opportunities, urging foreign investors to tap into underexplored mineral resources, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
This message was reiterated by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, at the ongoing Africa Down Under conference in Perth, Australia.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has positioned itself as a prime destination for mining investment, highlighting the vast untapped potential of its mineral resources. While the country has over 60 recorded minerals, only a fraction are actively mined, largely because much of the exploration has historically been limited and relied on outdated techniques. This creates considerable scope for growth in the mining portfolio for investors equipped with modern exploration tools.
Speaking at the conference, Chitando highlighted that exploration offers the biggest opportunity for investors seeking substantial returns.
“One of the biggest opportunities in the country lies in exploration. Yes, we have over 60 recorded minerals, but only about 10 are actively mined because we have not carried out sufficient exploration to a level where we can fully unlock the potential of our mineral endowments. Most of the exploration was done in the 1960s, using techniques that are now outdated.
“This creates a significant opportunity. We can provide geological maps, but as investors conduct modern exploration, they will likely discover completely new indicators of potential. That is why we see exploration as one of the biggest opportunities for those with the appetite to take it on, and for those willing to invest in capital uplift. For investors seeking substantial returns, exploration is the key — and remember, you are investing in an environment that is tried and tested,” he added.
Chitando’s remarks come amid broader government efforts to modernize exploration.
Just weeks ago, Finance and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube announced a nationwide airborne geophysical survey in the 2026 Budget Strategy Paper — a landmark initiative designed to improve understanding of Zimbabwe’s mineral resource base and reduce exploration risks.
Historically, Zimbabwe’s exploration spending has been less than 1% of mining budgets, compared to a global benchmark of about 10%, leaving much of the country’s mineral wealth untested.
Industry bodies, including the Geological Society of Zimbabwe, have long called for more exploration licences and greater use of modern technologies such as remote sensing, drone mapping, and AI-assisted prospecting.
The latest government initiatives aim to address these gaps, signaling a renewed push to unlock Zimbabwe’s mineral potential.
With modern exploration tools, upgraded laboratory capacity, and government-backed surveys, investors now have an opportunity to discover new deposits and expand Zimbabwe’s mining portfolio, reinforcing the country’s position as a competitive destination for mineral investment.
