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ASM Urged to Champion National Compliance Ahead of Global Financial Review

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ASM Urged to Champion National Compliance Ahead of Global Financial Review

In an effort to ensure Zimbabwe is safeguarded from potential grey-listing by the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) have been called upon to become frontline champions of financial compliance and due diligence, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Miners Federation Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Conference held at Mine Entra 2025, Mr. John Maunganidze of Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) emphasised that Zimbabwe faces a crucial mutual evaluation next year that will place the country’s financial systems under intense international scrutiny.

“The global eyes will be on Zimbabwe’s compliance principles, objectives, and standards,” he told delegates, highlighting the mining sector’s critical position as it contributes 12 per cent of GDP and 80 per cent of exports.

The FGR representative warned that failure to meet compliance standards could result in Zimbabwe being grey-listed, with severe consequences for international trade and financing.

“We will have problems in terms of international trade and obtaining international financing from various international bodies,” he stated, directly linking national compliance to miners’ individual livelihoods.

Mr. Maunganidze outlined practical measures for miners, emphasising the crucial importance of Know Your Client (KYC) protocols. He urged miners to collect comprehensive customer information, including identification documents, proof of residence, and nationality details, to build reliable client profiles.

“We are prone to these illegal investors or scrupulous criminals who want to use our sector just to clean their funds,” he cautioned, stressing that proper due diligence protects both the national economy and individual mining operations.

The compliance message was reinforced by Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr. Caleb Makwiranzou, who issued a direct plea to miners: “Let’s not be grey-listed.” He encouraged those unfamiliar with compliance requirements to seek immediate guidance from the Federation or Fidelity Gold Refinery, emphasising that collective adherence to international standards is essential for maintaining Zimbabwe’s standing in global markets and protecting the mining sector’s vital contribution to the national economy.

Mufaro Handirimi’s Innovation Set to Revolutionise Zimbabwe’s Platinum Mining with 14% Downtime Reduction

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Mufaro Handirimi’s Innovation Set to Revolutionise Zimbabwe’s Platinum Mining with 14% Downtime Reduction

In an effort to revolutionise operational efficiency and combat costly equipment failures in Zimbabwe’s platinum sector, Midlands State University (MSU) mining engineering graduate Mufaro Handirimi has developed a groundbreaking predictive maintenance system targeting underground drill rigs, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This homegrown technological solution promises to significantly enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s mining operations through advanced data analytics and machine learning.

Handirimi, who serves as Head of Entrepreneurship at the Association of Junior Mining Professionals of Zimbabwe, has created a sophisticated application that shifts maintenance strategies from reactive to predictive for the Sandvik DD211 low-profile drill rig. The system specifically targets the drill and hydraulic modules of these machines, where most critical failures typically occur during underground operations.

The technical architecture employs a network of sensors, including accelerometers to monitor vibration patterns and flow rate sensors to track hydraulic system performance. These sensors utilise wireless connectivity to transmit real-time data from underground operations to a cloud-based analytics platform. At the heart of the system operates an Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time series module, which analyses equipment data patterns to calculate failure probabilities. A machine learning feedback loop enables the system to continuously refine its prediction accuracy, creating an increasingly intelligent maintenance solution.

Based on empirical evidence from comprehensive literature reviews, including McKinsey studies and a 2018 Barrick Gold case study, the system delivers a demonstrated 14% reduction in unplanned downtime. This improvement translates to substantial financial savings of approximately US$2,700 monthly per machine. For typical Zimbabwean platinum mines operating fleets of twenty or more drill rigs, this represents nearly US$40,000 in monthly savings through enhanced operational efficiency alone.

The innovation arrives at a crucial juncture for Zimbabwe’s mining industry, which accounts for 12% of the country’s GDP and dominates national export earnings. With Zimbabwe possessing the world’s second-largest platinum deposits, operational efficiency improvements directly impact the nation’s economic objectives. Handirimi’s system represents precisely the type of homegrown technological solution that can help achieve the government’s upper-middle-income economy vision.

This predictive maintenance application demonstrates how digital transformation can optimise traditional mining operations—particularly valuable given the industry’s challenges with persistent power shortages and foreign currency constraints. The project signals Zimbabwe’s growing capability to develop local solutions to industrial challenges, combining deep mining expertise with cutting-edge data analytics.

As the system progresses toward implementation, it stands to not only reduce operational downtime by 14% but also inspire a new generation of mining engineers to tackle industry challenges with innovative, locally developed technological solutions. Handirimi’s work embodies the potential for Zimbabwean professionals to lead the technological transformation of the nation’s most vital economic sector.

“Our Hearts Are Bleeding”: ZMF President Demands Immediate Action Against Foreign Miner Brutality

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“Our Hearts Are Bleeding”: ZMF President Demands Immediate Action Against Foreign Miner Brutality

In an effort to ensure the government intervenes and holds investors accountable to the country’s laws and regulations, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) President Ms. Henrietta Rushwaya has issued a stark warning against foreign investors who are ill-treating and killing local miners, describing the situation as “totally unacceptable” and warning that the small-scale mining community’s patience is wearing thin, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking with visible emotion at the Federation’s conference during Mine Entra 2025, the ZMF President demanded that the government immediately halt what she termed an “unbecoming tendency” that has seen foreign operators become a “menace” to local safety and livelihoods.

“Our hearts are bleeding because of such tendencies. And this is something which we cannot envisage as small-scale miners to happen in our own country,” Rushwaya told a captivated audience. She emphasised the gravity of the situation, adding, “It’s something that we cannot allow to go on and on until untold end.”

The address painted a grim picture of an industry in crisis, where the influx of foreign capital is increasingly accompanied by violence and impunity. Rushwaya detailed how legitimate artisanal and small-scale miners are facing brutal treatment from investors who operate outside the country’s legal frameworks.

In a moment that underscored the national dimensions of the crisis, Rushwaya highlighted the painful irony of Zimbabweans facing mistreatment at home, while abroad, they are often subjected to xenophobic attacks.

“It is quite disheartening that if we go to a foreign land, we are treated as illegal people in those countries. And we suffer xenophobic treatment,” she noted. “But how can we be ill-treated when we are in our own country?”

Beyond physical violence, the ZMF President detailed a multi-faceted threat. She accused these investors of environmental degradation and the systematic displacement of local miners from their legitimate claims. She described an “insurgence of so-called investors who have literally become small-scale miners in their own right,” operating without regard for the sector’s established norms.

Rushwaya expressed particular frustration that the small-scale mining sector is being unfairly blamed for environmental damage that she asserts is being caused by these foreign operations.

“As small-scale miners, we feel shortchanged because of late, all the bad things that have been happening are not being done by small-scale miners. They are being done by the so-called investors,” she stated, drawing a clear line between legitimate local miners and destructive foreign entities.

The ZMF President’s address took on an urgent, direct tone as she appealed to government officials present at the conference to act before the situation escalates further.

“Please take it upon yourself to redress this unbecoming tendency that is happening in the country currently,” Rushwaya pleaded. She specifically called for a fundamental overhaul of how foreign investment is vetted, suggesting that current oversight mechanisms are failing.

“It’s high time government takes a real look at the vetting of the so-called investors that are coming into the country,” she stated, implying that the current system is allowing actors with contempt for Zimbabwean law and citizens to enter the mining sector.

Rushwaya coupled her plea with a sobering caution about the potential for grassroots retaliation if the government fails to act, signalling that the community’s renowned patience is a finite resource.

“We don’t want a revolution to come from the small-scale mining sector, especially where foreigners are concerned, because we outnumber them out there in the bush, and the situation will not be pleasant at all,” she warned.

This statement laid bare the potential for violent escalation if grievances are not addressed through official channels. Yet, despite the grave challenges outlined, Rushwaya concluded on a note of determined resilience, affirming the sector’s commitment to peace and productivity.

“We will maintain our peace, and we’ll continue to work hard,” she declared, encapsulating the dual message of her address: an unwavering demand for protection and respect, coupled with a commitment to continue driving Zimbabwe’s economy through lawful and productive mining.

Ministry of Mines Proposes Removing Pegging from Mines and Minerals Act to Centralise Dispute Resolution

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Ministry of Mines Proposes Removing Pegging from Mines and Minerals Act to Centralise Dispute Resolution

In a decisive move to reshape mining dispute resolution and formalise claim ownership, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has proposed removing pegging provisions from the Mines and Minerals Act, placing them instead under ministerial regulations — a shift that dovetails with the ongoing enforcement of survey-grade coordinates for all mining claims, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Conference held at Mine Entra 2025 in Bulawayo, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr. Caleb Makwiranzou, said the Ministry intends to “remove excessive peculiarities” in the current Act, including pegging procedures, to streamline operations and enhance localisation of mining at the primary level.

“We also require that we remove excessive peculiarities in our current Act… things like pegging and so on. We want to remove them and put them in the regulations, not in the Act. We also want to make provision for the indigenisation and localisation of the mining industry at the primary level of mining — that is, artisanal and small-scale miners,” said Dr. Makwiranzou.

This legislative change aligns with the Ministry’s recent stringent enforcement of a directive that mandates all prospecting and registration applications to be accompanied by coordinates produced by a registered and certified surveyor. This policy, which effectively bans the use of handheld GPS devices for pegging, is aimed at curbing rampant boundary disputes and creating a reliable, conflict-free digital cadastre for Zimbabwe’s mining operations.

The proposal to move pegging from the Act to regulations is strategically linked to the new era of precision-driven claim management. By making surveyors the cornerstone of the pegging process, the Ministry ensures that the foundational data entering the new system is accurate and legally defensible.

Miners are now required to engage licensed surveyors who are registered in the Ministry of Mines database and are paid-up members of the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ). This ensures accountability, professional standards, and seamless integration with Zimbabwe’s evolving digital mining cadastre system (CMCIMS).

“We’ve seen too many disputes due to inaccurate boundary markings and speculative pegging,” said a Mines Ministry official. “From now on, we’re not processing anything unless the coordinates are traceable to a professional surveyor who is on our system and affiliated with AMSZ. It’s about order and accountability.”

The role of the surveyor has become so integral that a new professional designation, the “Survegger” — a qualified Surveyor who is also a licensed Pegging Agent — has emerged, offering integrated services to miners by combining technical surveying and legal claim pegging into a single, efficient operation.

The proposal, however, has sparked a complex debate. While current pegging guidelines enshrined in the Act provide miners with clear legal recourse in disputes, moving them to regulations would place procedures directly under ministerial discretion. This allows the Ministry to revise and enforce rules administratively without requiring Parliamentary approval.

Analysts believe the move could make dispute resolution faster and more efficient but also concentrate authority within the Ministry. The Association of Junior Mining Professionals of Zimbabwe observed that the proposed changes could be aimed at giving the Ministry “total control” over pegging and claim management, ensuring that disputes are settled internally.

“When pegging remains in the Act, miners have legal grounds to challenge certain decisions. Moving it to regulations gives the Ministry flexibility but reduces checks and balances,” the Association noted.

Despite the concerns, the overarching goal of these reforms is widely seen as the modernisation and formalisation of the mining sector. The Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) has welcomed the enforcement of the surveyor rule, stating it affirms the importance of professionalism.

As discussions around the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill continue, miners and stakeholders have been urged by Deputy Minister Dr. Caleb Makwiranzou to engage actively to ensure that the push for efficiency does not come at the expense of fairness and transparency in the sector. The combination of regulatory overhaul and a strict survey-grade coordinate system marks a definitive step towards a more professional and transparent mining environment in Zimbabwe.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 10 October 2025

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 10 October 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and ABOVE122.113,798.69
SG 85% and above but below 90%120.823,758.46
SG 80% and above but below 85%119.533,718.22
SG 75% and above but below 80%118.233,677.56
Sample 5g and above but below 10g116.293,616.00
Fire Assay CASH122.763,818.50

 

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100g, no sample is deducted.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

Miners Hail Mine Entra Buyers-Sellers Platform as Gateway to Suppliers and Professional Growth

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Miners Hail Mine Entra Buyers-Sellers Platform as Gateway to Suppliers and Professional Growth

Mine Entra‘s Buyers-Sellers Programme has been hailed as a crucial platform that exposes small-scale miners to new markets, suppliers, and professional business practices within the mining sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

The Buyers’ Programme is an initiative by the ZITF Company designed to directly connect mining companies’ procurement managers and decision-makers with mining and engineering suppliers.

Introduced in 2024 and prominently featured in 2025, this hybrid platform combines online and in-person interactions to facilitate scheduled, targeted meetings, strengthening business partnerships and supporting growth across the mining sector’s supply chain.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the ongoing Mine Entra in Bulawayo, Payne Kupfuwa, CEO of the Young Miners Foundation, said the programme not only exposed miners to international suppliers but also advanced efforts to formalize small-scale mining.

“The Buyers-Sellers Programme is quite impressive because it gave us an opportunity to actually get to know some products that we didn’t know were in the market. We also didn’t know that there are some suppliers who have come in from other countries to be part of Mine Entra,” Kupfuwa said.

“And as young miners, it goes a long way for us because, in our bid to formalize and professionalize small-scale mining, we are saying mining should always be taken as a business, not as a poverty-driven initiative or a get-rich-quick scheme. So such platforms, of course, give us an opportunity to network and establish ourselves as formalized and full-fledged mining entrepreneurs.”

Kupfuwa explained that beyond networking, the programme directly supports the implementation of mining projects. For his team, Mine Entra has become a hub to source affordable equipment and services needed for expanding operations.

“We are setting up a chrome processing plant in Mvurwi and are also working towards establishing a gold processing plant,” he said.

“But the Buyers-Sellers Programme has created a platform for us to actually get cheaper, more affordable services and equipment for everything that we are setting up. We are very optimistic and look forward to a beautiful and exciting Mine Entra 2025.”

Kupfuwa added that continued engagement through the programme will allow young miners to establish themselves fully in the sector while accessing resources that were previously out of reach.

The 28th edition of Mine Entra kicked off successfully, completing its first-day programmes at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo. The event has attracted 240 confirmed exhibitors, including 16 international participants from China, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Exhibitors span a broad cross-section of the mining value chain, including heavy and light equipment suppliers, engineering firms, green technology providers, logistics operators, and financial service institutions.

Day one featured the AfriConfex Conference and Official Opening, headlined by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, alongside the Buyers’ Programme Speed Networking Session.

The session brought together mining houses such as Zimasco, Unki Mine, Hwange Colliery Company, and Blanket Mine with local and international suppliers.

Tomorrow’s highlights will include the Mine Entra Conference and Official Opening Ceremony, the Mining Industry Suppliers Forum hosted by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, and a seminar on ESG and sustainability featuring leading industry experts and panelists.

Responsible Sourcing and Local Procurement Non-Negotiable for Zimbabwe’s Sustainable Mining Future – Chitando

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Responsible Sourcing and Local Procurement Non-Negotiable for Zimbabwe’s Sustainable Mining Future – Chitando

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has emphasized the importance of responsible sourcing and ethical practices across Zimbabwe’s mining value chain, saying the country’s mineral wealth must be developed through accountability, local participation, and adherence to sustainable standards, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This was stated by Minister Winston Chitando at the official opening of the ongoing ZITF Mine Entra exhibition in Bulawayo, which is focused on going “beyond extraction” to ensure that every stage of mining—from exploration to product procurement—aligns with the principles of responsible and sustainable mining.

The call for responsible sourcing comes amid concerns that the mining sector remains highly import-dependent. In 2024, the industry’s order book stood at US$2.7 billion, yet only 15% of that amount was spent locally, underscoring how limited the benefits are for domestic suppliers and manufacturers.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Chitando said responsible mining goes beyond compliance to include responsible sourcing, a practice that promotes the use of locally produced goods and services to support domestic industries and create jobs.

“Mining in a responsible manner also involves responsible sourcing,” Chitando said. “We would like to see mining companies ensuring that inputs in the mining sector are manufactured locally, and that products from the mining sector are also valued locally. There is no need to import PPE when it is being showcased right here.”

He added that responsible sourcing forms part of a broader strategy to deepen local content within the mining value chain—from the manufacture of protective equipment and consumables to the beneficiation of minerals such as lithium and ferrochrome.

“The future of mining is where we have stakeholders who follow the ethos and principles of responsible mining,” he said. “There is no space for players who cannot follow those principles.”

Phase 2 of the government’s Responsible Mining Initiative will soon be launched, building on earlier efforts to strengthen compliance and sustainability in the sector.

“The first phase focused on ensuring that companies follow the existing laws. Phase 2 will go beyond that, introducing new regulations and ensuring that everybody mines in a responsible manner,” Chitando added.

Day Two of the 28th edition of the Mine Entra exhibition in Bulawayo marked the official opening of the event, presided over by Acting President Constantino Chiwenga.

The edition was fully subscribed, attracting over 240 local suppliers and service providers who engaged directly with miners exploring equipment and technologies for their operations. The vibrant foot traffic and dynamic buyer-seller interactions highlighted the exhibition’s growing reputation as a key marketplace for the mining value chain.

Held under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” Mine Entra 2025 reinforced the government’s push for sustainable and responsible sourcing. By providing a platform for local suppliers to connect with miners, the exhibition continues to play a critical role in promoting local procurement, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving greater domestic value addition across the sector.

HCCL Holdings, Bolt Gas Dominate Mine Entra 2025 Awards

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HCCL Holdings, Bolt Gas Dominate Mine Entra 2025 Awards

Coal mining giant Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings (HCCL Holdings) and energy provider Bolt Gas dominated the awards ceremony at this year’s Mine Entra exhibition, sweeping multiple categories in a spectacular show of excellence at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The prestigious awards, held on the official opening of MineEntra, saw HCCL Holdings achieve a remarkable triple victory—clinching the gold medal for Best Exhibit in the Manufacturing Category, top honours in the Sustainability Award category (where Dinson Iron and Steel Company placed second), and top honours for Best Programme Exhibit. This outstanding performance underscores the company’s leading position in Zimbabwe’s mining sector and its commitment to innovation and quality.

Bolt Gas mirrored this success with an equally impressive showing, securing the gold medal for Best Exhibit in the Services Category while adding a silver medal in the Best Programme Exhibit category and a bronze in the Sustainability Award. The company’s strong performance across multiple award segments highlights its growing influence and vital role in supporting the mining industry’s energy needs.

The awards ceremony recognised excellence across various sectors, with Fire Dust Control Africa taking the Silver Best Foreign Exhibition Trophy and the Mine Entra Gold Medal Award. In the fiercely competitive Suppliers Category, SafePro emerged victorious with the gold medal, followed by SkyFar2Tools in second place and Medenty Private Limited, representing Medenty Safety, in third position.

Other notable winners included Dinson Iron and Steel Company, which secured second place in the overall exhibition rankings, demonstrating the robust competition and high standards exhibited throughout MineEntra 2025. The comprehensive recognition of excellence across manufacturing, services, and supplier categories reflects the growing sophistication and diversity of Zimbabwe’s mining and industrial sectors.

The resounding success of HCCL Holdings and Bolt Gas at this year’s awards ceremony not only highlights their individual achievements but also signals the continued growth and innovation within Zimbabwe’s mining industry. Their multiple awards set a benchmark for excellence that will undoubtedly inspire other players in the sector as the country continues to develop its mineral resources and industrial capacity.

The recognition of these companies at MineEntra 2025 serves as a testament to the quality and innovation present in Zimbabwe’s mining and industrial sectors, pointing towards a promising future for the nation’s economic development through strategic partnerships and technological advancement.

Zimbabwe’s Minerals Are a National Trust, Not for Personal Gain: VP Chiwenga Declares at Mine Entra

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Zimbabwe’s Minerals Are a National Trust, Not for Personal Gain: VP Chiwenga Declares at Mine Entra

In an effort to fundamentally reshape and future-proof the nation’s mining sector, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has declared Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth a “national trust” to be managed for the benefit of all citizens, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Officially opening the 28th Mine Entra exhibition, the Vice President delivered a powerful address that positioned the industry as the core of the nation’s economic ambitions while issuing a firm stance against corruption and the mere exportation of raw materials.

Speaking under the visionary theme, “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” he framed the conference as a critical strategic convening of minds, far beyond a simple annual gathering. The Vice President underscored that from the coalfields of Hwange to the gold belt of Penhalonga, the nation is “up and running,” with mining contributing over 14.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product and supporting countless livelihoods. This foundational role makes the sector absolutely pivotal as Zimbabwe pursues its economic transition from the National Development Strategy 1 to the National Development Strategy 2.

The central philosophy of “Beyond Extraction” was presented as a direct challenge to the industry to move past the traditional model of resource exportation. The Vice President articulated a future defined by beneficiation, innovation, and community empowerment, where the export of finished products replaces the export of raw coal and other minerals. He emphasized that this shift is a non-negotiable principle of the national mining strategy, demanding that every gram of mineral extracted translates directly into jobs created and industries built within Zimbabwe.

The Vice President issued a direct and sobering charge to all miners, reminding them that they are merely the custodians of the nation’s mineral wealth, which must be handled with the utmost integrity. He stated unequivocally that these resources are not for personal gain but belong to the people of Zimbabwe and future generations, to be exploited responsibly and protected as a national trust. He also addressed critical suppliers and service providers, describing them as the essential arteries of the mining ecosystem, and called on processors and investors to embrace the new era of value addition. He made it clear that Zimbabwe is open for business based on mutual partnerships but firmly declared it is not open for unchecked extraction.

This new direction is being backed by a modernized legal framework. The Vice President highlighted the recently gazetted Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which is aligned with global best practices and designed to enforce accountability, transparency, and corporate social responsibility. He stated that this legislation will ensure mining generates tangible benefits for communities through the development of schools, clinics, roads, and sustainable livelihoods.

In one of the speech’s most forceful segments, the Vice President committed to eradicating the “cancers” of corruption, illicit trading, and leakages that erode public trust and deprive citizens of their rightful benefits. He announced that the government will implement strict regulations and oversight mechanisms, including regular audits, community engagement, public reporting, and whistleblower protection, to ensure transparency in licensing, monitoring, and compliance.

Beyond policy, the Vice President called for a spirit of self-reliance, urging mining companies to take the initiative in projects like rehabilitating the Victoria Falls road and rail link. He assured them of government support to recover costs, emphasizing the need to “think outside the box” for national development. While commending strategic projects like the Palm River Energy Metallurgical Plant, he outlined an even more ambitious vision for a fully integrated mining value chain, powered by geospatial mapping, artificial intelligence, and automation, and integrated with climate resilience and renewable energy.

Concluding his address, Vice President Chiwenga declared MineEntra 2025 a grand agenda and a launchpad for the partnerships and investments that will shape Zimbabwe’s future. He reiterated the Second Republic’s commitment to building a nation where mining serves as a foundation for national renewal and shared prosperity before officially declaring the 2025 expo open.

Mine Entra 2025 Soars, But a Critical Piece Is Missing: Surveyors Ask, “Where Are Our Tools?”

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Mine Entra 2025 Soars, But a Critical Piece Is Missing: Surveyors Ask, “Where Are Our Tools?”

The energy at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo is undeniably electric. Mine Entra 2025 has truly arrived as an international-calibre event—a vibrant tapestry of innovation, powerful machinery, and promising deals, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

From the stunning stands of industry giants like Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings to the buzz of international partnerships, the event is a resounding testament to the strength and ambition of Zimbabwe’s mining sector. The optimism is palpable, the conversations are forward-thinking, and the future of mining is being proudly displayed on the exhibition floor.

Yet, amidst this celebration of progress, a crucial community within the mining ecosystem found itself walking the halls with a growing sense of confusion and disappointment: the nation’s mine surveyors.

This year, MineEntra should have been their triumphant showcase. Fresh off a transformative new mandate from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, which requires all mining titles to be mapped using precise survey-grade coordinates, surveyors arrived in Bulawayo ready for business. They came not just as spectators, but as empowered professionals at the heart of a new, data-driven era for mining. They arrived, in their own words, “hoping to find a pool of solutions, only to find a single, disappointing drop.”

The sentiment on the ground was one of a massive missed opportunity. “We were left wondering why they would not show themselves here,” one surveyor commented, echoing a widespread feeling. “This is the premier mining event. Every mining company, every potential client, is here. We have a new, urgent need for the most advanced GPS, drones, and software—and the very providers who should be selling to us are absent.”

The strategic loss is twofold. For the survey equipment and services providers, their absence from MineEntra represents a staggering commercial miscalculation. They have missed a golden opportunity to position themselves as essential partners in this new regulatory landscape. At a time when surveyors are actively seeking reliable partners for high-precision tools, the exhibition floor lacked the very companies that could fulfil this urgent demand. They had a captive, motivated audience—and chose not to engage.

For the surveyors themselves, the absence was a practical setback. “We came to see, touch, and compare the latest technology,” another surveyor explained. “We wanted to have face-to-face conversations with technical experts, to understand which system best suits our new responsibilities. Instead, we are left to rely on brochures and websites, which are no substitute for a live demonstration at the country’s biggest mining expo.”

The message from MineEntra 2025 is powerful and clear: the Zimbabwean mining industry is charging full speed ahead. The ambition is international, the vision is sustainable, and the commitment is undeniable. The event has successfully showcased the sector’s massive potential.

But this year’s event also highlights a critical gap in the supply chain. As the industry evolves with policies that demand higher precision and better data, the supporting industries must evolve with it. They must be present in the rooms—and on the exhibition floors—where the future is being built.

The resounding success of MineEntra makes the absence of the survey technology sector all the more conspicuous. One can only hope that by MineEntra 2026, these vital partners will recognize that to be part of Zimbabwe’s mining journey, you must first show up.

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