Let’s maintain growth momentum

would have reached the 15 000kg mark.
This is against last year’s total of 12 993kg and what this points to is the immense potential that the mining sector has to change the fortunes of this country.
More often we talk about the abundant mineral resources that this country is endowed with, but these cannot be translated into economic value unless they are gainfully exploited.
The impact of the economic value can only be realised if we forge ahead with a commitment to improve the livelihood of the descendants of this land.
Judging from the growth pattern demonstrated by the gold production figures, there is no doubt that a lot more can be achieved from the plethora of minerals that we have ranging from diamonds, platinum, cobalt, iron ore, chrome to vermiculite.
Traditionally minerals from Zimbabwe have been exploited for the benefit of the owners of capital in Western countries with very little or no benefit for the locals. 
Thanks to the country’s indigenisation and empowerment policies, there has now been a change with the ownership of the mines now being transferred to the locals. 
The ball is now in our court and the challenge is to fully exploit the potential.
It is sad, as President Mugabe has rightly observed, that our country and many others on the continent are a case of “energy underdevelopment and energy under-consumption”.
If ever we are to fully exploit these mining opportunities that we have, we will require massive power generation to sustain the operations.
Zimbabwe, like many other countries in the region, is in the middle of a power crisis yet we have abundant sunshine, roaring rivers, huge coal and natural gas reserves. 
We are failing to tap these resources, resulting in “energy poverty” at a time we should be maximising on production potential.
There is no reason why we should not be considering alternative energy sources from the conventional sources to fire our industries and mines to desired levels. 
Like the President rightly pointed out, we have been reduced to exporters of primary energy commodities such as oil for refinement abroad and the same commodity returns to be sold to us at a price that we at times cannot afford.
What this calls for is a continental energy policy to ensure that we prioritise investments in the energy sector giving us the chance to value add resources before we  gainfully sell them on the international market. 
This will not only help in job creation, but also provide more access of the energy resources to the people while at the same time increasing export value to our commodities.
It is clear from experiences within the Sadc region that no single country can go it alone and a combined effort is certain to benefit all concerned as it is a resource that can be shared among nations. 
The crippling energy deficits that have been experienced across the board are a good enough reason to put our heads together for common good.
We hear stories of the industry potential falling and retrenchments looming mainly because the companies do not have sufficient and reliable power supplies. 
Imagine what the story would be like if Hwange Power Station was operating at full throttle alongside the hydro power generation at Kariba? 
Complement that with the methane gas potential at Lupane or even better still tap on the abundant sun that we have throughout the year.
The President is right in calling for a global approach to harness research towards the generation of more sustainable green energy technological options that will benefit the poor and marginalised communities as we cannot depend on fossil fuels forever. 
Harnessing solar energy is a start and albeit there has not been significant progress in this thrust; it an option worth pursuing.