Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, [email protected]
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all minerals extracted in the country are fully declared, departing from previous practices in which companies reported only the dominant minerals present, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He said the policy shift forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen local value addition, following the recent ban on raw mineral exports.
VP Chiwenga is on a three-day tour of the Midlands Province to assess strategic economic projects and evaluate how they are serving local communities while contributing to national development.
His tour yesterday included visits to Zhe Lithium Mine in Zvishavane and Sandawana Mine in Mberengwa.
Today, he is expected to visit Sable Chemicals, Zimchem, Intrachem and Global union Alloy, all in Kwekwe. The tour follows similar assessments carried out last year in Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Province.
Responding to recent appeals from mining companies for reprieve on the ban on raw lithium exports, VP Chiwenga said the policy would stand. He urged companies to support the decision, emphasising its long-term economic value.
“The ban on the export of raw minerals is not meant to punish, but is a strategy to grow the economy through value addition,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said Government remained committed to establishing industries in resource-rich regions to ensure that communities benefit directly from mining activities and are not left bearing the environmental costs without corresponding economic gains.
He said all minerals extracted — including lithium — must be declared for the benefit of the national economy. On lithium, he underscored the need to upgrade raw ore to achieve a final product purity of more than 99 percent, making it suitable for high-tech applications.
He added that purity requirements differ according to use, with battery-grade lithium requiring between 99,2 percent and 99,5 percent, while pharmaceutical-grade lithium must exceed 99 percent to meet medical standards.
During engagements with local leaders and traditional authorities, VP Chiwenga also emphasised the importance of corporate social responsibility.
Concerns raised at Sandawana Mine included the urgent need for road construction, employment opportunities for locals and the proposed relocation of communities affected by mining operations.
VP Chiwenga facilitated discussions to ensure that community needs were addressed in tandem with the sector’s growth plans. Through these ongoing assessments, Government aims to ensure that mineral exploitation translates into tangible community benefits, underpinning sustainable development and nationwide economic growth.
“Mining companies have a social responsibility to invest in local communities, which includes healthcare, education, and infrastructure development,” said VP Chiwenga.
He acknowledged Sandawana Mine’s efforts to upgrade schools and health facilities, drill boreholes and support the local economy.
VP Chiwenga said such projects must be expedited to ensure that communities share in the benefits of the country’s natural resources and that living standards continue to improve for all citizens.
