Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo,[email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S premier mining exhibition, Mine Entra, set for next month in Bulawayo has already attracted nearly 140 exhibitors, including representatives from China, South Africa (three) and the United Kingdom. The annual event will take place from July 17 to 19 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.
The exhibition’s theme, “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation, and Industrialisation Nexus,” aims to showcase the latest developments in the mining industry, both locally and globally. Mine Entra is hosted and organised by the ZITF Company in conjunction with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Chamber of Mines.
In an update, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, said the theme is meant to highlight how the mining sector is currently experiencing a significant transformation on the back of investments in exploration, mine development mechanisation and innovation.
He added that the theme is also a rallying call for the sector to innovate and optimise their mining and mineral processing techniques to create strong value chains and ultimately drive resource-based industrialisation.”Conversations during Mine Entra 2024 will zero in on unlocking a future of greater mining productivity, environmental responsibility and economic prosperity.
“These are expected to feed into the Minerals Development Policy, Value Addition and Beneficiation strategy, the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) strategy at a mining sector level, and the National Development Strategy at a broader economic level,” said Dr Ndebele.
Among the major mining countries on the continent, Zimbabwe stands out as a key player and mining plays a crucial role in the advancement of our continent, driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering development.
In Zimbabwe, the mining sector has been a cornerstone of the economy, contributing significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product and export earnings.”Exhibition space uptake has been positive with 136 exhibitors registered to date, of which six companies are foreign, representing China (two), South Africa (three) and the United Kingdom (one),” said Dr Ndebele.
“In total, 4 535m² of exhibition space has been sold, translating to 67 percent of available space. Current exhibitors represent various sectors including minerals and mineral processing, industrial equipment and solutions, automotive and transport, lubricants, protective equipment and business services.”
Dr Ndebele said conversations during Mine Entra 2024 will zero in on unlocking a future of greater mining productivity, environmental responsibility and economic prosperity. —@SikhulekelaniM1
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