KEY POINTS
- President Mnangagwa has called for technological advancements in mining to drive economic growth.
- A new partnership will provide scholarships for Zimbabwean students to study mining-related fields in China.
- The government is focusing on value addition, industrial growth, and local mineral processing.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphasized the urgent need for technological advancements in Zimbabwe’s mining sector to maximize the country’s mineral wealth.
Speaking at the commissioning of part of the Palm River Energy project in Beitbridge on Monday, he highlighted how adopting modern mining technologies could boost exploration and extraction efficiency, ultimately driving economic growth.
With Zimbabwe’s vast untapped mineral reserves, Mnangagwa said a shift toward innovative and sustainable mining practices would be crucial in positioning the country as a major player in the global minerals market.
He urged industry stakeholders, institutions of higher learning, and international partners to collaborate on solutions that enhance the mining sector’s efficiency and sustainability.
Investing in skills development and innovation
President Mnangagwa emphasized that Zimbabwe needs to train its workers with appropriate skills because it will help advance mining sector technology.
He commended the collaborative relationship between Shanxi Engineering Vocational College and Harare Polytechnic, which provides training to Zimbabwean youths in metallurgy and mechanical engineering among others.
As part of the initiative, scholarships will be provided for Zimbabwean students to study in China, ensuring that the country’s mining sector is equipped with a highly skilled workforce.
The president also encouraged the Zimbabwe School of Mines and other academic institutions to explore similar collaborations.
Additionally, the program includes plans to establish a Metallurgical Centre of Excellence for mineral beneficiation and value-addition endeavors.
The president emphasized that local mineral processing would boost Zimbabwean export revenue while increasing employment opportunities and improving raw commodity price stability.
A vision for economic growth through mining
The African Mining Vision acts as a strategic guide for Zimbabwe to make its mining sector the backbone of economic development in the country.
According to ZBC News, Mnangagwa outlined a long-term strategy that prioritizes industrial development, infrastructure improvements, and technological advancements.
Moreover, the president advocated for mining infrastructure investments while promoting value-added policies, as he sees unprocessed mineral exports as an economic restriction for Zimbabwe.
The nation focuses primarily on bringing technology together to establish a stronger economy that avoids relying on a single sector.
Also, the government of Zimbabwe follows a commitment to unite technological development with responsible environmental practices, as they advance their mineral resource exploitation plans.
All parties involved in mining must function as key drivers to create both local and continental economic development and objectives.
