As the sole marketing agent for the country’s minerals (excluding gold and silver), the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) plays a pivotal role in promoting Zimbabwe’s mineral resources on the global stage.
Through strategic market development, international partnerships, and value-addition initiatives, MMCZ continues to position the nation as a key player in the global mining industry.
In this interview, the General Manager of MMCZ Dr Nomusa Jane Moyo sheds light on how the corporation is driving investment in Zimbabwe’s critical minerals, facilitating joint ventures, and ensuring that the mining sector aligns with international trends in sustainability and value addition. With a recent 19% surge in mineral sales and increasing interest in Zimbabwe’s lithium, platinum, and other strategic minerals, MMCZ remains committed to fostering a thriving mining industry.
What role does MMCZ play in promoting Zimbabwe’s mineral resources to global investors, and how have these efforts evolved over the years?
As the designated sole agent for the marketing and selling of all Zimbabwean minerals (excluding silver and gold), the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) plays a crucial role in promoting the nation’s mineral wealth. MMCZ has created a strong foothold of Zimbabwe minerals in the international arena through active engagement in international conferences and exhibitions and by actively developing new lucrative markets. This proactive approach has yielded tangible results, with a significant increase in sales volume. In 2024, MMCZ achieved a remarkable 19% surge in sales volume, reaching a total of 4,161,092Mt, a clear testament to the effectiveness of our marketing and market development efforts.
What unique opportunities do Zimbabwe’s critical minerals, such as lithium and platinum, present to international investors looking for sustainable mining projects?
Zimbabwean is endowed with a number of minerals most of which require value addition and beneficiation. Among such minerals are lithium and platinum which offer international investors huge opportunities in value addition and beneficiation. As the world shifts its focus towards green energy, Zimbabwe’s huge resource base in lithium and platinum, to mention just a few, is key for any future sustainable mining projects. In addition to investment opportunities along the mineral value chain, the critical minerals sector also brings investment opportunities in side linkages such as transportation and energy generation that are further required to ensure that the mining sector is fully covered in terms of infrastructure and energy requirements. As has been outlined by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa at numerous platforms, Zimbabwe is open for business.
Zimbabwe boasts of a diverse mineral portfolio. Which minerals do you believe hold the greatest potential for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the next five years?
The global energy transition towards a zero-carbon future presents significant opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) in critical minerals. These minerals, essential for technologies like renewable energy and electric vehicles, include beryllium, natural graphite, manganese and rare earths, among others.
Can you elaborate on MMCZ’s initiatives to facilitate joint ventures or partnerships between local and international mining players?
MMCZ conducts various initiatives to facilitate joint ventures or partnerships between local and international mining players.
- Information Sharing – MMCZ disseminates information on mining investment opportunities, project proposals and regulatory requirements at various regional and international mining investment conferences.
- Lobbying for an Enabling Environment – MMCZ advocates for and supports policy reforms that simplify and streamline the processes for establishing and operating joint ventures or partnerships.
- Capacity Building – The Corporation conducts and supports capacity-building initiatives for local small-scale mining professionals to enhance their skills and expertise in mining management, negotiations and joint venture management.
South Africans are interested in importing chrome from Zimbabwe, take us through the process of how they can do this.
Our customer onboarding process incorporates robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. To comply with KYC regulations, customers are required to submit a letter of intent, registration details, company profile, trading history, financial information, and attorney details, among others for due diligence purposes.
Potential customers can initiate inquiries through our accessible online platforms, and our sales team will respond within 24 hours. We facilitate the matching of customers with suitable suppliers based on their specific needs.
What message would you like to convey to international investors about the opportunities in Zimbabwe’s mining sector?
We are actively encouraging and inviting investors to participate in the entire value chain and maximize returns through the development of value-added industries within Zimbabwe, such as mineral beneficiation, processing and manufacturing. Our team is ready to provide you with the necessary information, guidance and support to facilitate your entry into the country’s mining sector. ZIMBABWE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
