As 2024 draws to a close, the mining sector’s resilience continues to shine through despite persistent headwinds. October’s Mine Entra in Bulawayo, now in its 27th year, showcased this spirit perfectly, bringing together the finest minds in mining, engineering, and transport under one roof.
The expo’s success, even after its rescheduling to accommodate August’s SADC Summit, speaks volumes about our industry’s adaptability. The presence of major brands and key industry players reinforced Mine Entra’s position as the premier gathering for southern Africa’s mining community.
Our sector’s achievement of the $12 billion economy target last year deserves celebration. Yet, as Chamber of Mines president Thomas Gono highlighted at Mine Entra, significant hurdles remain. Foreign currency shortages, surrender requirements on export proceeds, and prohibitive electricity costs continue to test operators’ resolve.
The glacial pace of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill’s progress remains concerning. Our colonial-era mining legislation desperately needs modernisation to match today’s dynamic industry landscape.
However, it’s not all challenging news. The technological revolution sweeping through our mines offers exciting possibilities. Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe president Abel Makura’s call for embracing innovation, particularly in high-risk underground operations, points to a safer, more efficient future for our miners.
Companies like Tano Digital Solutions are already demonstrating how cutting-edge technology can transform operations. This technological shift, coupled with Mines Minister Winston Chitando’s push for value addition in upstream and downstream industries, could accelerate our journey toward Vision 2030’s upper-middle-income economy goal.
As we approach 2025, the path ahead is clear: innovation, value addition, and sustainable practices will drive our industry forward. Thank you for continuing to make ZiMining your trusted source for mining news and insights.
Until our December issue,
Thomas
