Zimbabwe’s biggest Mining Exhibition, Mine Entra yesterday roared to life and industry players showcased their products, services, and technologies while fostering meaningful collaborations and knowledge sharing.
This year’s event attracted global attention and reinvigorated the mining sector in Zimbabwe. The event brought together international companies, mining professionals, government officials, and investors under one roof to explore the vast opportunities the Zimbabwe mining sector has to offer.
One of the main highlights of Mine Entra was the highly attended Zimbabwe School of Mines Lithium and Battery Minerals Conference which was addressed by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development.
According to Hon Soda, the country’s exports for lithium also increased by approximately 198.6 per cent USD$209 million by September 2023 compared to US$70 million realised the whole of last year.
In addition to technological advancements, Mine Entra offered investors and industry players an opportunity to explore potential partnerships and investments. The exhibition facilitated top class networking events, business meetings, and presentations that enabled participants to engage in meaningful conversations regarding future projects and collaborations. The Chamber of Mines hosted its Mining Industry Suppliers Forum running under the theme “Addressing Challenges Affecting Suppliers of the Mining Industry.
The Chamber of Mines President Mr Thomas Gono said the organisation recognises the importance of suppliers in the mining value chain and continues to take the lead in the use of local factors of production.
“The need to encourage local procurement will remain our industry’s long-term goal. This is specifically one of the key tenets of our local mining industry where we know if we buy locally, we also enhance the economic activities of other sectors. The chamber of mines recognizes the importance of suppliers in the mining value chain and continues to take the lead in the use of local factors of production. Demonstrating this, our JSP committee which spearheads the strengthening of linkages between the supplier sector and the mining sector has achieved key milestones and its recommendations are being implemented by the mining houses through local enterprise development, and supply development programs,” Gono said in part.
This direct interaction not only fosters trust and builds relationships but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth and development in the mining sector.
The exhibition also provided a platform for government officials to share important policies, regulations, and incentives to attract local and foreign investments in the mining industry. The mining sector in Zimbabwe is continuously evolving, and the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment highlights its determination to position the country as an attractive investment destination.
Furthermore, Mine Entra emphasized the importance of capacity development and skills training in the mining sector. The Zimbabwe School of Mines showcased its programs, curricula, and initiatives focused on upskilling the workforce. Such efforts are vital for ensuring that local talent is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the constantly evolving mining landscape.
Mine Entra’s success goes beyond the exhibition itself. The event acts as a catalyst, igniting enthusiasm and invigorating the mining sector in Zimbabwe. The positive outcomes from the exhibition have far-reaching effects, positively impacting economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in the country.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially open the event today.
Mining Zimbabwe is exhibiting at the Expo.
