admin
The 73rd AGM, whose theme is “Powering the Mining Industry for Growth and Development”, will discuss various issues including challenges and opportunities of mineral beneficiation in Zimbabwe.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu will be the guest of honour.
The conference will also have a series of panel discussions centering on the fiscal, environmental and concerns for a competitive environment for mining development.
According to a document from the Chamber of Mines, also slated to speak at the AGM, are Finance Minister Tendai Biti, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister Tapiwa Mashakada, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Mr Prince Mupazviriho, Environmental Management Agency director for environmental protection, Mrs Petronella Shoko and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Dr Desire Sibanda.
The Chamber of Mines conference comes at a time when efforts were still being made to address challenges facing the sector in order to stimulate economic growth and recovery.
Despite constraints such as intermittent power supplies, antiquated equipment as well as liquidity challenges, the mining sector has become the country’s largest economic driver since the liberalisation of the economy in February 2009.
In 2010, the mining sector realised more than 100 percent increase in export revenue from $600 million recorded in 2009 to $1.3 billion realised in 2010.
The figures are exclusive to gold sales whose proceeds were $155.2 million and $334.2 million in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Last year, the mining sector recorded a 44 percent growth in production and the trend is expected to continue beyond 2012.
The Government has attributed the positive growth in the mining sector to Zimbabwe’s favourable policies for investment.
Online Reporter