Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
Vice-President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said the surging global demand for critical minerals presents Zimbabwe with a historic opportunity to become a key player in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but stressed that the country can only fully benefit by investing aggressively in mineral exploration to understand the full extent of its vast resource endowment.
Addressing delegates at the inaugural Exploration Symposium held during the 29th edition of Mine Entra in Bulawayo on Thursday, the Vice-President said the global race for critical minerals had intensified as countries accelerate technological advancement and the transition to cleaner energy systems.
He said the symposium represented far more than an industry gathering, describing it as a declaration of Zimbabwe’s commitment to unlocking its mineral wealth through increased exploration, technological advancement and responsible resource management.
“The theme is more than a conference but a declaration of Zimbabwe’s national intent as it recognises that decisions taken today regarding exploration, technology, investment, skills development and responsible resource management will shape the future of the mining industry for generations to come,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said the importance of mineral exploration had become even more pronounced as demand for strategic minerals continues to surge worldwide.
“Global demand for critical minerals is rising as nations accelerate the fourth industrial revolution.
“Critical minerals now underpin digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, electric mobility and clean energy.
“Those who secure these resources today will lead tomorrow’s global world.”
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe’s abundant deposits of critical minerals and rare earth elements place the country in a strong position to participate meaningfully in the emerging global industrial landscape.
He, however, stressed to delegates that the country’s mineral wealth can only translate into economic transformation if adequate investment is directed towards exploration and geological mapping.
He said Zimbabwe must first understand the true scale and quality of its mineral resources before it can maximise value from them.
“We cannot benefit from resources that remain undiscovered or are not very well defined.”
The Vice-President said the inaugural symposium provides a strategic platform for Government, investors, mining companies, financiers, researchers and other stakeholders to chart a common path towards expanding Zimbabwe’s geological knowledge and attracting responsible investment.
He said the inaugural exploration therefore provides a platform for Government, industry, investors, researchers, financiers and other stakeholders to deliberate on how Zimbabwe can strengthen, expand geological knowledge, attract responsible investment and unlock the full value of the country’s mineral resources.
The symposium, one of the flagship events of Mine Entra 2026, which began on Wednesday, comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to expand its mining industry by accelerating the discovery of new mineral deposits to sustain long-term production, attract fresh investment and advance the country’s ambition of building a US$12 billion mining economy.
Held under the broader Mine Entra theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation through Mining Value Chains,” the symposium has attracted Government policymakers, global exploration experts, geologists, investors, mining executives and financial institutions to deliberate on strategies for strengthening mineral exploration, promoting junior mining companies and deploying modern technologies to improve mineral discovery.
Exploration is widely regarded as the foundation of a sustainable mining industry as it replenishes depleted mineral reserves, extends the lifespan of existing mines and unlocks new mining projects capable of generating employment, export earnings and downstream industrial development.
Zimbabwe is endowed with more than 60 known mineral occurrences, including gold, platinum group metals, lithium, chrome, diamonds, coal, copper and rare earth elements. However, significant portions of the country’s geological potential remain underexplored, presenting substantial opportunities for new discoveries and increased investment.
The oversubscribed symposium is expected to generate practical recommendations to accelerate exploration activities, expand Zimbabwe’s mineral resource base and reinforce mining’s position as the country’s largest export-earning sector and a key driver of industrialisation, value addition and economic transformation.
