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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
BULAWAYO businessman Dr Brilliant Ncube has revealed plans to invest in the mining sector, saying the industry presents significant opportunities for employment creation through value addition and beneficiation of local minerals.
Dr Ncube made the remarks during the fourth edition of the Business Manoeuvre held in Bulawayo on Saturday, where he was one of the guest speakers.
The founder and chief executive officer of Kingdom Blue Funeral Services, who also runs several other businesses across Zimbabwe, the SADC region and internationally, said his diverse business interests position him well to venture into the mining sector.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Business Manoeuvre, Dr Ncube urged Zimbabwean businesspeople to collaborate and invest in key sectors of the economy rather than waiting for foreign investors.
He said local entrepreneurs should identify opportunities and take advantage of them, highlighting mineral value addition and beneficiation as a “low-hanging fruit” that could help create jobs and generate foreign currency.
“I am preparing to get into mining because mining is also a business. As a businessman, my appetite is to do business, and for employment creation, we have a lot of minerals,” said Dr Ncube.
“That is why I am saying we need to invest in these precious minerals so that we are able to create employment and ensure that we upgrade our country into a global trading nation.”
Zimbabwe’s mining sector is undergoing transformation as the Government pushes for increased value addition and beneficiation of minerals.
The Government has also emphasised the need to strengthen local capacity in science, technology and innovation to maximise benefits from the country’s vast mineral resources.
Key initiatives include the draft Beneficiation and Value Addition Strategy, which is currently under stakeholder consultations, as well as efforts to establish world-class mines and processing facilities.
The Government is also prioritising the modernisation and industrialisation of the mining sector as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth and diversification.
Dr Ncube said collaboration among local businesspeople can help mobilise resources needed to invest in large-scale mining projects.
He added that Zimbabwean entrepreneurs should also leverage international partnerships to acquire advanced technologies and skills.
Meanwhile, Dr Ncube urged mining companies to comply with regulatory frameworks, saying adherence to the law was critical for sustainable operations.
“Let’s think broadly and understand that compliance is meant to foster long-term development. This will go a long way in helping businesspeople understand how we protect tomorrow.”
Online Reporter