Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE 27th Edition of the country’s premier Mining Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra) kicked off today with a focus on promoting industrialisation through innovation.
The three-day prestigious mining showcase being held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Center (ZIEC) in Bulawayo has attracted over 250 exhibitors.
Running under the theme: : “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialisation Nexus,” President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the exhibition on Thursday.
Mine Entra 2024 seeks to unveil new opportunities, strengthen value chains, drive innovation and promote industrialisation in the mining sector and related industries.
This year, 254 direct exhibitors have took up 8 406 square metres of exhibition space representing a notable increase from the 6 544 square metres occupied by 204 exhibitors at the final tally for Mine Entra 2023.
Mine Entra 2024 also has a stronger international presence, as 19 international exhibitors signed up, representing four foreign nations China, the DRC, India and South Africa. This is an increase from the 12 international exhibitors from three countries in the previous edition.
Day 1, kicked off with the Mining Industry Suppliers Forum, organised by the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe.
This year’s forum was focused on maximising the contribution of the mining industry through local content and various policymakers and industry leaders will speak to these issues.
The Mine Entra Buyers Speed Networking sessions also tooj place this afternoon. Here buyers from mining companies were assigned a series of brief, timed meetings to connect with suppliers to explore possible business exchanges.
The day will culminate with the Mine Entra Welcome Cocktail in the evening, where networking and relationship- building will take centre stage.
On day 2, the Mine Entra Conference and Official Opening will take place on Thursday, with discussions on sustainable mining practices, technological innovations, and investment opportunities across Africa. President Mnangagwa will deliver the keynote address and officially open the exhibition.
On Day 3, the conference diary will round off with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Small Scale and Artisanal Miners Conference on Friday, which aims to bring attention to the crucial role played by small-scale miners in our economy.
A number of mining events and conferences will also be held on the sidelines of Mine Entra 2024.
Simultaneously, the Mine Entra Charity Golf Challenge and the Mine Entra Charity Golf Cocktail will be held at the Bulawayo Golf Club.
Mining has been a crucial driving force in Zimbabwe’s economy, making a significant impact by contributing 13 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the past few years.
Furthermore, it has been a major contributor to the country’s export earnings, accounting for a staggering 75 percent of its total exports. In December last year, the mining industry generated more than US$20 billion from mineral exports since 2017 making it the biggest contributor of foreign currency.
The Government achieved and exceeded the mining US$12 billion industry target between 2018 and December 2023. It has also set a new US$40 billion by 2030 target for the mining sector.
Online Reporter