Zimbabwe has used the China Mining Conference to push for greater access to modern mining technology, investment and skills transfer as the country seeks to increase mineral production, beneficiation and sustainability.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, accompanied by a Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) delegation led by president Henrietta Rushwaya, represented the country at the international conference, which brought together participants from about 60 countries, including 33 African nations.
Kambamura stressed the importance of ensuring that mineral-rich countries have access to modern mining technologies while calling for partnerships that deliver benefits to both investors and host countries.
The call comes as Zimbabwe's artisanal and small-scale mining sector continues to play an important role in gold production, employment and household livelihoods, despite challenges including outdated equipment, limited access to finance, inadequate geological information and unsafe and environmentally damaging mining practices.
The conference also highlighted the need for international mining partnerships to translate into practical benefits for local producers, particularly through access to affordable equipment, modern exploration technologies, safer mining methods and environmentally sustainable mineral-processing technologies.
Zimbabwe is also seeking greater skills transfer and local participation in the mining value chain, including through the training of engineers, geologists, metallurgists and other mining professionals.
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Under the proposed approach, investment partnerships would be expected to contribute to employment creation, increased production, local procurement, skills development, mineral beneficiation and infrastructure development, while providing investors with reasonable returns.
The push is aligned with the country's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, which seek to promote economic transformation and increase value addition across key sectors.
Zimbabwe has been seeking to move away from exporting minerals in largely raw form, with beneficiation expected to retain a greater share of mineral value within the domestic economy.
The mining sector also faces growing pressure to address environmental and community concerns, including land degradation, water pollution, unsafe mining pits and abandoned workings.
Sustainable mining practices are therefore being encouraged alongside increased production, with emphasis on environmental rehabilitation, responsible water use and benefits for communities surrounding mining operations.
The conference also highlighted the potential for increased participation by women and young people in the sector as mine owners, service providers, equipment suppliers, processors and investors.
The participation of 33 African countries underscored the continent's growing role in global mining discussions, particularly as demand for minerals linked to industrialisation, energy and technology continues to shape investment decisions.
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