PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday launched the strategic
roadmap to the achievement of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023 as
Government ramps up efforts to increase the sector’s contribution to the
economy.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said the mining
industry was key to Government’s goal of achieving an upper middle income
economy by 2030.
“There is no doubt that, leveraging on the gains from our
economic reforms, our engagement and re-engagement with the international
community, the mining sector presents huge growth prospects towards the speedy
attainment of our national vision to become an upper middle income economy by
2030,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the mining sector had the
potential to sustain other sectors of the economy if well exploited.
“Zimbabwe is endowed with vast natural resources and is
host to more than 40 different minerals in the categories of precious metals,
base metals, industrial metals and gemstones,” he said.
“As Government we are convinced that the mining sector is a
forerunner in the provision of backward and forward linkages with other
economic sectors, creation of decent jobs, infrastructure development, export
earnings and becoming the most preferred investment portfolio.
“Thus, the attainment of our Vision 2030 is premised on the
mining sector making huge contributions. It is envisaged that investments and
benefits accruing from this sector will be critical building blocks for a
prosperous Zimbabwe.”
President Mnangagwa said the strategic roadmap would
facilitate the exploitation of minerals throughout the entire value chain.
“The objective of this strategic roadmap is to facilitate
the exploitation processes of the country’s minerals throughout their entire
value chain that is from exploration, mining metallurgical processing, value
addition and beneficiation.
“My Government is desirous to transform the mining industry
and ensure that the country achieves social equity and equality around
communities where mining takes place.
“In this regard, the sector should enhance and adopt best
practices, including occupational safety, health and environmental management
in order to ensure appropriate health conditions of employees, local
communities and the general public,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the strategic roadmap would create
a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.
“I am encouraged that as of now we have quite a number of
projects, both greenfield and expansion projects, which are at various stages.
“We are enthused and encouraged that investors are having
more confidence to invest in the country in response to the various reforms we
are implementing,” he said.
The President also said there was a need to have the
requisite infrastructure that includes roads, rail, water and electricity,
among others.
“I am delighted that the roadmap also highlights the
contribution of the mining sector towards generation of energy. In the same
vein, Government remains seized with the modernisation of our transport systems
particularly the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) for it to offer the requisite
logistical support to the mining sector.
“This is part of the broader national plans and vision to
unleash the energies of our people to build a better future. I therefore,
implore all stakeholders, both public and private to work with the unity of
purpose always guided by broader national interest,” said President Mnangagwa.
He also warned that hurdles may be faced along the journey
towards attaining the US$12 billion target, but collective effort,
determination and commitment will see the “Zimbabwe we all want” being built.
Under the US$12 billion mining roadmap, gold is expected to
contribute US$4 billion, platinum US$3 billion while chrome, iron, steel
diamonds and coal will contribute US$1 billion.
Lithium is expected to contribute US$500 million while
other minerals will contribute US$1,5 billion. Herald
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