Community Talk

MINISTER KAMBAMURA CALLS FOR MINING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO ZIMBABWE

By Community Talk

MINES and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura has called for increased technology transfer and mutually beneficial investment partnerships to help modernise Zimbabwe’s mining sector, particularly the artisanal and small-scale mining industry.

Dr Kambamura made the call at the China Mining Conference, where Zimbabwe was represented by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and a Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) delegation led by its president Henrietta Rushwaya.

The conference brought together representatives from about 60 countries, including 33 African nations, highlighting the growing role of the continent in the global mining industry.

Dr Kambamura said mineral-rich countries needed meaningful access to modern mining technologies while ensuring that foreign investment generated tangible benefits for host countries.

His remarks come as Zimbabwe continues to rely heavily on artisanal and small-scale miners for gold production, despite challenges including limited access to modern equipment, finance, geological information and safer mining technologies.

The ASM sector has expanded significantly over the years and remains an important source of employment and livelihoods, particularly in rural and mining communities.

However, the sector continues to face concerns over unsafe mining practices, environmental degradation and the use of inefficient mineral-processing methods.

The push for technology transfer is therefore expected to focus on providing miners with modern exploration equipment, safer extraction methods and environmentally friendly processing technologies.

The ZMF said international mining engagements should translate into practical benefits for miners on the ground rather than remaining limited to conference discussions and investment exhibitions.

Zimbabwean miners in areas such as Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gwanda, Shurugwi and Zvishavane continue to operate under varying levels of access to capital, equipment and technical expertise.

The mining sector has also been identified as a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s economic development plans, with the Government seeking increased mineral production, beneficiation and value addition under the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.

The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for Zimbabwe to move away from exporting minerals in raw form and increase local processing to retain more value within the economy.

Technology transfer and investment partnerships could support this objective through local manufacturing, skills development and training of Zimbabwean engineers, geologists, metallurgists and other mining professionals.

The ZMF also said investment partnerships should result in increased employment, local procurement, skills transfer and infrastructure development while allowing investors to earn fair returns.

The conference also brought renewed attention to the environmental impact of mining, with calls for responsible mining practices that minimise pollution, land degradation and unsafe abandoned mine workings.

The sector faces growing pressure to balance increased production with environmental protection, particularly in communities where mining activities affect water sources, agricultural land and surrounding ecosystems.

Women and young people are also being encouraged to participate more actively in the mining value chain as mine owners, processors, equipment suppliers, service providers and investors.

The participation of 33 African countries at the China Mining Conference underscores the continent’s importance to the global minerals market at a time when demand for critical minerals and other strategic resources continues to grow.

For Zimbabwe, the key challenge will be turning international engagements into investment, technology and skills that directly benefit local mining communities.

The Government and mining industry are expected to use such partnerships to increase production while promoting beneficiation, safer mining practices and sustainable development.

Zimbabwe holds significant deposits of gold, platinum group metals, lithium, chrome and other minerals, making the mining sector a major contributor to the national economy.

However, analysts and industry stakeholders have consistently argued that increased mineral output alone will not be sufficient to transform the economy unless Zimbabwe captures more value from its mineral resources.

The China Mining engagement therefore provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to pursue partnerships centred on technology transfer, investment, beneficiation and skills development.

The success of such partnerships will ultimately be measured not only by increased mineral production, but also by improved mining safety, greater local value addition, employment creation, skills development and environmental protection.

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