Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Beijing, China
Hubei JCHX Mining Services Corporation Limited, a leading Chinese mining firm, is keen to showcase at the premier mining exhibition, Mine Entra, to explore potential contracts with Zimbabwean mining firms and partnerships with mining institutions.
Shanghai Stock Exchange-listed Hubei JCHX assistant president Mr Ge Qifa revealed this during an interaction with a delegation of Zimbabwean journalists in Beijing, China, yesterday.
JCHX has a presence in 17 countries, including Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Zimbabwe attracted nearly 500 new Chinese investors, pledging approximately US$2.5 billion in investments, with over one-third focused on manufacturing alongside mining.
One of the largest projects includes the US$1.5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) in Mvuma, designed to produce 600 000 tonnes of steel annually.
Chinese firms dominate Zimbabwe’s lithium sector, having acquired major projects like Arcadia, Bikita and Sabi Star to secure supply for the electric-vehicle battery industry.
Major players include Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine Resource Group and Chengxin Lithium Group.
The mining sector remains the backbone of Zimbabwe-China economic cooperation, with lithium emerging as a strategic focal point amid rising global demand for battery minerals.
“We are ready to assist Zimbabwe in mining. Unfortunately, we have not participated in this mining event (Mine Entra).
“I would like to receive an invitation letter and we will see if we can join the next (Mine Entra) exhibition.”
Established over two decades ago, Mine Entra has evolved into a pivotal event for sectors including mining, engineering, transport, and their associated industries.
The exhibition attracts a diverse range of exhibitors, from heavy engineering and equipment suppliers to service providers in logistics, construction and protective wear.
International participants have in the past come from countries such as China, Germany and South Africa, with significant local representation from Bulawayo and Harare.
He also noted that they are willing to enter into mining contracts with Zimbabwean firms.
Already, he said, they have done business with one of the platinum firms in Zimbabwe.
He added, “Of course, we look forward to having joint ventures with Zimbabwe mining companies.
“We have worked on one project in Zimbabwe, providing our engineering services at a platinum mine.”
On skills development, he said, “There is a labour shortage worldwide, and JCHX is one of the contributors not only in upskilling the local workforce and recruiting and improving local employment we operate from.
“When JCHX enters any local market, we hire the local workforce.”
One such institution would be the Zimbabwe School of Mines, whose mandate is pivotal to the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe.
From its inception in 1926, the school has produced competent mining practitioners who are in demand in the SADC region and internationally.
