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The Geological Society of Zimbabwe (GSZ) has raised concerns about the country’s neglect of exploration as a key pillar of the mining industry, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Geological Society of Zimbabwe (GSZ) Annual General Meeting last Friday, Geological Survey Chairman Forbes Mugumbate emphasized that while Zimbabwe is heavily focused on production, exploration should not be overlooked, as it forms the backbone of future mineral discoveries and economic growth.
“Most of these large, world-class deposits have been found through very intensive research on an EPO system being funded by global risk capital raised from various centres in the world,” Mugumbate said.
He stressed that exploration plays a vital role in securing foreign direct investment (FDI) and generates critical geological data that helps sustain the mining industry.
Mugumbate highlighted that Zimbabwe’s mining industry largely concentrates on production rather than the essential process of discovering new deposits. He noted that while production numbers are widely reported, the country rarely talks about how much is invested in exploration, which is key to the sector’s long-term sustainability.
“When you open a newspaper, what’s being talked about is production, production, production,” Mugumbate said. “Yet, we ignore the fact that mining is a depleting activity. Once a mine is operational, it is moving towards its depletion.”
He also pointed out that exploration itself can be a major industry, bringing in millions of dollars in investment, creating jobs for geologists, and providing valuable information about the country’s mineral potential.
“Exploration brings in foreign capital, generates information, and employs our geologists. Yet, exploration is rarely taken as part of the industry,” Mugumbate emphasized.
Mugumbate stressed the need for Zimbabwe to resume issuing Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs), which allow companies to explore large areas for minerals. He argued that EPOs are the foundation of serious exploration, enabling companies to raise capital and conduct research necessary to discover new mineral deposits.
“Every EPO that is granted provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to gain, say, a million dollars in exploration funds. In addition, there’s also a chance of finding a valuable deposit,” Mugumbate noted.
However, the current standstill in granting EPOs has become a significant obstacle for the mining sector, limiting the influx of foreign investment and reducing the likelihood of new discoveries. Mugumbate and other industry leaders called for immediate action to resolve this issue and push forward with large-scale exploration efforts.
Mugumbate’s remarks at the GSZ AGM reflected a broader need for Zimbabwe to shift its mindset and begin treating exploration as a crucial part of the mining value chain. Without a renewed focus on discovering new deposits, the country’s mining sector risks stagnating, leaving potential mineral wealth untapped.
“Our campaign is to educate people so they can start believing in large-scale exploration again,” Mugumbate said.
He urged both the government and industry stakeholders to understand the long-term benefits of prioritizing exploration, ensuring the future of Zimbabwe’s mining industry is secured.
As Zimbabwe continues to deplete its existing mineral resources, Mugumbate’s call for greater emphasis on exploration serves as a reminder that the country’s mining future relies on looking beneath the surface to uncover its full potential.
