Mine Entra to expose women miners to potential investors

THE United Women Miners Association (UWMA) is hoping that the Mine Entra which starts in Bulawayo on Wednesday will expose its members to potential investors who can help them improve their businesses.
In an interview, UWMA secretary general Mrs Mpumelelo Musekiwa said they were going to participate in full force at the mining exhibition with the hope of networking to improve their businesses.

“We are appreciating what is taking place in the country where there is involvement of women in the sector. As women, we would want to meet potential investors who can come and assist us,” she said.

Mrs Musekiwa said they would want to use the Mine Entra and get the much needed mining skills.
“We are also looking forward to have entrepreneurial skills and training so that we can also get the requisite skills to run our mining business. We also want to get support from the big players in the sector so that we can contribute meaningfully in the sector and eradicate poverty,” said Mrs Musekiwa.

She said their participation at the event would send a strong message that women had the potential to play a crucial role in the mining sector.

“We are going to be there and send a message that mining is not for men alone but for women as well. We are also capable of contributing meaningfully to the sector,” said Mrs Musekiwa.

This year’s Mine Entra will be held from Wednesday to Friday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre under the theme: “Unearthing Opportunities”.

The Mine Entra is taking place at a time when Zimbabwe’s mining industry is operating below capacity in light of a number of challenges among them liquidity constraints, power deficit, depressed mineral prices and high production costs.

It is hoped that the conference will focus on issues affecting the small-scale miners including improved mining methods, environmental responsibility, and acquiring financing.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa is expected to officially open the event on Thursday.
A small-scale and artisanal miners conference will also be held on Thursday.