Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
Small-scale miners have identified Mine Entra as a key platform that has enabled them to formalize their work and connect with various stakeholders over the years.
As the mining industry prepares for the 2025 Mine Entra edition, scheduled from 8 to 10 October under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the future of mining,” excitement is building.
Organised by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe School of Mines, the event actively provides mining sector players with a networking platform that links suppliers, policymakers, potential investors, and other key stakeholders.
In an interview, Young Miners Foundation (YMF) chief executive officer Mr Payne Kupfuwa explained how small-scale miners have leveraged the platform to secure investors, affordable supplies, and valuable connections through various Mine Entra initiatives.
“Most of the developments that happened within the YMF and the small-scale miners’ community are benefits from Mine Entra, where we have been able to get affordable supplies and different services, and we benefited from the informative conferences, which give insights and oversight of what is going on in the industry,” said Mr Kupfuwa.
“We also get to connect with policymakers and key stakeholders in the mining value chain, which has also assisted us in the professionalization and formalization of our small-scale mining activities.
“We also gained insight into how to extract other minerals like gemstones, lithium, and chrome, as we were used to focusing only on gold mining.”
Small-scale mining remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, delivering higher output than large-scale mining companies. The sector employs over 300,000 people and plays a key role in reducing poverty.
Mr Kupfuwa added that Mine Entra has driven growth in the small-scale mining sector, noting that preparations for the upcoming event are underway, with players ready to exhibit and participate in various platforms.
Londile Moyo