adminTHE Government has floated a US$32 million tender for an aeromagnetic mineral exploration exercise in the Eastern Highlands, a senior Government official said on Friday.
An aeromagnetic survey is a common type of geophysical survey carried out using a magnetometer (a scientific instrument used to measure the strength and/or direction of the magnetic field) aboard or towed behind an aircraft.
Zimbabwe has not carried comprehensive exploration to determine the extent of its mineral wealth over the past three decades.
As a result, investors have been sceptical to sink money into a sector with limited exploration data.
Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Gift Chimanikire said the exploration, which would be co-ordinated by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, would kick off in June.
“We have floated a tender estimated at about US$32 million to conduct exploration in the eastern border area to determine the full mineral strength in that area,” he said.
“Currently, we are experiencing a data drought in the sector which is impeding growth. We do not have adequate information to lure investors,” he added.
The deputy minister said the country last carried full-scale exploration prior to independence in 1980 and officials of the Ian Smith-led government took away the data.
He said the exploration would identify other minerals in the Eastern Highlands besides alluvial diamonds in the Chiadzwa area, whose presence the Government became aware of after hordes of illegal miners descended on the area in 2008.
Exploration data is considered critical towards attracting investors and determining the amount of resources to be committed towards exploiting a mineral.
The Government has plans to set up an exploration company to identify mineral deposits throughout the country. – New Ziana.
Online Reporter