The Sunday Mail
Tichafara Bepe
Mine Entra 2018 is set to place Zimbabwe’s mining sector on a new trajectory as the country moves to efficiently tap into its resources as part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision to create a middle-income economy by 2030.
Mining – along with agriculture, tourism and industry – have been identified as strategic economic enablers of the Second Republic.
The 23rd Mine Entra at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds in Bulawayo next week, will provide a platform for stakeholders to reset mining sector goals and ensure maximum benefits to the country.
In an interview last week, ZITF public relations manager Ms Stella Nkomo said the indaba would be characterised by frank discussions.
She said 11 foreign exhibitors had confirmed participation compared to only two last year. Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando will officially open the event.
“This thrust (of Mine Entra 2018) is borne out of the belief that Zimbabwe’s rich mineral endowment can be the cornerstone of not only a growing economy, but also a fair and inclusive economy that extends opportunities to all its people,” said Ms Nkomo.
“At the Mine Entra main conference on 11 October, an inter-ministerial round-table aimed at enhancing open dialogue between the public and private sectors will take place.
“The round-table will include ministers Nqobizitha Ndlovu (Industry and Commerce), Jorum Gumbo (Energy and Power Development), and Joel Biggie Matiza (Transport and Infrastructural Development); and high-level representation from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.”
Ms Nkomo said it was vital to provide key stakeholders with a platform to establish sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships.
“Women and young professionals will be given the chance to tap into opportunities and forge a brighter future within the mining industry through exposure set to be given by the expo,” said Ms Nkomo.
“The Women in Mining Conference will be taking place on the 10th of October. It was launched last year; the inaugural event was largely successful resulting in the breakfast meeting being expanded into a full conference that will run concurrently with Mine Entra every year.”
Ms Nkomo said Women, Community, and SMEs Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni would leading discussions on “The Role of Women in the Mining Value-Chain”.
This year’s Mine Entra is themed “Mineral Beneficiation: Catalyst for Economic Growth”. It was postponed to October from its traditional July slot because of a general election. The event had by early last week lured 218 direct exhibitors compared 153 last year.
