The 2025 edition of Mine Entra lived up to its billing as the country’s premier mining exhibition, drawing an impressive mix of government officials, captains of industry, and mining professionals who turned the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre into a hive of networking, innovation, and forward-looking discussions, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
This year’s edition ran under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining.” Early reports indicate strong participation, with the 2025 showcase featuring over 260 exhibitors and the potential to attract even larger crowds than last year’s event, which hosted 289 exhibitors.
Representing the highest office in the land was Acting President Constantino Chiwenga, who toured various exhibition stands, taking time to appreciate new technologies and ideas reshaping Zimbabwe’s mining landscape.
His visit set the tone for this year’s expo, emphasising sustainability through responsible extraction and highlighting the importance of mining with the future in mind—ensuring that today’s development does not come at tomorrow’s expense.
The government showed a united front in its support for the mining sector, with Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando leading the delegation, flanked by his deputies. They were joined by Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona and Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, reflecting a coordinated national effort to drive mining-led industrialisation and strengthen linkages between extraction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
But it wasn’t just the government that made its mark. Industry leaders came out in full force—from Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) General Manager Mr Peter Magaramombe, Eng Steven Ndiyamba – Mimosa GM, Chamber of Mines CEO Isaac Kwesu and Kuvimba Mining House CEO Trevor Barnard to Mimosa Mining Company Managing Director Fungai Makoni, Zimasco CEO and Chamber of Mines President John Musekiwa, Mr Ye, Manager – Kamativi Mining Company (KMC), Sabi Gold Director – Mr Chandiwana, ZCDC COO Dennis Mthombeni and Mimosa’s Lloyd Shamu—all walking the exhibition stands to engage with innovators and suppliers.
Also spotted among the attendees were Busi Chindove from Zimplats, Aaron Malaba and John Shava, Chief Buyer at Unki Mine and his team, Hwange Colliery CEO William Gambiza, Godwin Gambiza, General Manager of Sandawana Mine, Engineering Manager of Blanket Mine Calvin Magwenzi accompanied by the mine’s Chief buyer, Eddington Vere, General Manager for Jena Mine, How mine procurement and operations teams and many others. The Ministry of Mines operations were equally well represented, with Michael Munodawafa, the Chief Government Mining Engineer (CGME), among others.
Professional associations were equally visible, with the influential Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ) and the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) among the key attendees. Buyers from large-scale mines also attended in full force, with several coming from as far as Eureka Mine of Guruve, ZCDC, almost 600km from Bulawayo.
Small-scale miners were also not outdone, with Prominent miners like Johanne Sithole gracing the stands and entering into deals with equipment suppliers. Their mining body, ZMF, also held a fully packed mining conference.
They toured the stands to explore new equipment and digital tools that could help modernise the country’s surveying capabilities.
Their presence symbolised how technical expertise and innovation continue to underpin the sector’s progress, also highlighting the Expo’s growing relevance in providing practical solutions to the mining industry.
Adding a global dimension to this year’s event were Chinese exhibitors, who continue to expand their footprint in Zimbabwe’s mining industry. Several Chinese firms showcased advanced equipment and engineering technologies, highlighting their growing role as key technical partners in local mining operations.
Their presence reflected China’s increasing investment in Zimbabwe’s lithium, chrome, and platinum sectors, as well as the strengthening industrial partnerships emerging between local and Chinese enterprises.
The atmosphere throughout the exhibition was one of optimism and purpose. Conversations centred on investment opportunities, technology adoption, and the role of local procurement in building a sustainable value chain.
For many attendees, Mine Entra 2025 was more than just an exhibition—it was a statement of intent that Zimbabwe’s mining sector is evolving, maturing, and positioning itself for long-term growth.
With over 260 local and international exhibitors participating, including firms from South Africa, China, and the United Kingdom, this year’s event once again affirmed Bulawayo’s role as the hub of mining dialogue and innovation.
Mine Entra 2025 captured the spirit of collaboration between government, industry, and professionals—all united by a shared vision of mining not just for profit, but for a sustainable and inclusive future.
For us it was the best ever!!!
