Zimbabwe is set to strengthen strategic cooperation with China’s Hunan Province in the areas of mineral exploration, value addition, and the development of value chain infrastructure, as both parties seek to unlock the full potential of Zimbabwe’s vast mineral resources, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking during a high-level meeting with a visiting delegation from China’s Hunan Province in Harare, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Winston Chitando, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships in the mining sector under the Second Republic’s pro-investment agenda.
“On the journey towards achieving an upper-middle-income economy, the Second Republic has prioritized investment across various sectors of the economy, underpinned by the mantra ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’,” said Minister Chitando. “While the country has more than 60 known minerals, only about 10 are being actively extracted. We believe this partnership will help unlock value in the remainder.”
He outlined Zimbabwe’s three-pronged strategy to attract investment from China and other partners. “First, we’ve reopened closed mines. Second, we’ve activated areas where minimal exploration is needed to begin mining. Third, we’ve issued exploration licences for long-term mining targets. I’m pleased to say China has significantly invested across all three areas.”
Chitando noted that Chinese companies have made substantial investments in sectors including coal, ferrochrome, steel, and lithium. “We envision future cooperation around investment in exploration capital, partnerships with existing operations, and developing infrastructure to support mining activities — including railways, laboratory services, and technology transfer,” he said.
He emphasized that value addition remains the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s mining policy. “We’re seeking investment not only in mineral extraction, but also in refining and processing — ensuring that Zimbabwe exports finished products instead of raw minerals.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Hunan Province, whose delegation was in Zimbabwe to explore areas of cooperation, commended the country’s resource potential and affirmed the Chinese province’s commitment to strengthening ties.
“In order to further deepen cooperation between Hunan and Zimbabwe, I would like to make three proposals,” said the Deputy Governor. “First, we should jointly invest in mining development, resource exploration, mineral processing, and green mining.”
He added that Hunan Province is particularly interested in working with Zimbabwe on resources like lithium, iron ore, and other critical minerals required for modern industry.
“Our collaboration can also extend to mining technology, infrastructure, and environmental management, ensuring sustainable development while enhancing industrialisation in both regions,” he said.
The engagement between the Ministry of Mines and the Hunan delegation reflects a broader diplomatic and economic partnership between Zimbabwe and China, with mining identified as a key pillar of future cooperation.
