Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe and Eliah Saushoma
THE 29th edition of the Mining, Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra) is gathering momentum at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo, with the country’s premier mining showcase transforming the exhibition grounds into a bustling hub of innovation, investment and industrial collaboration.
Running under the theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation Through Mining Value Chains,” this year’s exhibition reflects Zimbabwe’s determination to move beyond traditional resource extraction towards value addition, beneficiation and the development of resilient local supply chains capable of driving sustained economic growth.
A tour of the exhibition by the Zimpapers news crew on the opening day today revealed a hive of activity, as exhibitors showcased cutting-edge technologies, machinery and solutions designed to support the growth and modernisation of the mining industry.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, ZITF Company chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele said as of Wednesday morning, exhibition space uptake had reached 98 percent with 8 853 square metres taken up against a target of 9 000 square metres, compared to 7 368 square metres at the same stage last year.
“To date, 276 direct exhibitors have registered for the show compared to 231 direct exhibitors at last year’s Mine Entra. We have 33 foreign exhibitors from eight countries namely Botswana, China, India, Mauritius, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, United States of America and Zambia. This is better than last year’s tally of 231 direct exhibitors including 20 foreign exhibitors from four countries,” he said.
The expansive exhibition grounds were a hive of activity, with an impressive display of heavy-duty mining and engineering equipment, including towering cranes, forklifts, haulage trucks and specialised machinery positioned outside pavilions, highlighting the scale of innovation driving the sector.
Inside the exhibition halls, companies from Zimbabwe and beyond are engaging industry players, potential investors and clients while demonstrating modern technologies aimed at improving productivity, operational efficiency, workplace safety and environmental sustainability across mining operations.
Chinese exhibitors are among the companies taking part in this year’s showcase, with representatives expressing optimism that Mine Entra will provide a valuable platform to establish new business linkages, showcase advanced solutions and explore opportunities within Zimbabwe’s mining value chain.
Mine Entra continues to serve as one of Southern Africa’s leading mining exhibitions, bringing together mining houses, equipment manufacturers, financiers, policymakers, technology providers and service companies to unlock opportunities that will strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a competitive mining investment destination.
