PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday challenged the mining industry to harness the power of technology and innovation to optimise their operations as well as enhance productivity.
Officially opening the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe 2024 annual mining conference in Victoria Falls, Mnangagwa, who was represented by Mines minister Winston Chitando, said the mining sector should innovate.
“The mining industry must harness the power of technology and innovation to optimise mining operations and enhance productivity.
“The fourth industrial revolution presents unprecedented opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and mitigate risks in the mining sector,” he said.
Mnangagwa added: “By embracing digitalisation, automation and renewable energy solutions, we can create a more resilient and competitive mining industry. We must never lose sight of the human dimension of mining. The well-being and safety of our workers must always be our top priority.”
He said the government was promoting responsible resource management and sustainable development. This means promoting environmentally sound mining practices, investing in skills development and technology transfer and ensuring that mining benefits are equitably shared among all stakeholders, particularly local communities.
“We must strive to create a workplace culture that values diversity, promotes inclusivity and upholds the highest standards of occupational health and safety. Let us approach the challenges and opportunities before us with courage, determination and vision,” Mnangagwa said.
“Together, we can navigate these turbulent times and restore the viability of mining operations in Zimbabwe. By working collaboratively, we can build a brighter, more prosperous future for Zimbabwe and all its people.”
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The President noted that mining has long been the cornerstone of our economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product, employment and infrastructural development.
“To restore the viability of mining operations in Zimbabwe, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses both short-term challenges and long-term sustainability. This requires collaboration and partnership between government, industry stakeholders and local communities,” he said.
The sector is enduring weak commodity prices, power supply constraints, foreign exchange shortfalls capital constraints, high taxes, among other ills.
Mnangagwa said the government was creating an enabling environment that promoted investment, innovation and transparency. This includes streamlining regulatory processes, addressing infrastructure deficiencies and providing fiscal incentives to attract both domestic and foreign investment.
“The government continues to undertake extensive infrastructural initiatives such as rehabilitating roads, upgrading airports, enhancing power generation, particularly through the expansion of the Hwange Power Station and constructing dams,” he said.
“These efforts are aimed at establishing essential foundations for the development of our economic sectors, including mining.”
