Online Reporter
Acclaimed exploration expert and Duration Gold Managing Director Allan Dolan is expected to deliver a key address on the future of mineral exploration at this week’s Mine Entra Mining Exhibition and Conference in Bulawayo, where industry leaders will examine strategies to sustain Zimbabwe’s mining growth through new mineral discoveries.
Dolan, a Canadian lawyer, businessman and veteran exploration specialist, is scheduled to speak on the experiences and opportunities facing junior exploration companies at a time when mining jurisdictions across the world are grappling with the reality of declining mineral reserves and the urgent need to identify the next generation of economically viable mines.
His presentation comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue its ambition of building a US$12 billion mining industry, a target that industry observers increasingly say will depend not only on maximising production from existing operations but also on sustained investment in exploration capable of uncovering new deposits for future development.
According to organisers, the conference will bring together policymakers, mining executives, investors and technical experts to deliberate on the future of Zimbabwe’s mining industry, with the event set to be officially opened by Vice President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
Duration Gold spokesperson Robert Mukondiwa confirmed that Dolan is expected in Zimbabwe for the conference and described the invitation as recognition of his extensive experience in mineral exploration and mine development.
“Mr Dolan is looking forward to engaging fellow mining professionals on one of the defining issues confronting the global mining industry today — the imperative to replace depleting mineral resources through sustained exploration,” Mukondiwa said.
“Every mature mining jurisdiction eventually reaches a point where existing operations begin to exhaust known resources. That is not a uniquely Zimbabwean challenge. It is a reality confronting some of the world’s most established mining destinations, including our neighbour South Africa, and many other countries with long mining histories.”
Mukondiwa said Dolan was expected to demonstrate that rather than signalling crisis, resource depletion should be viewed as an incentive for governments and investors to intensify exploration programmes capable of discovering the mines that will sustain future production.
He said Zimbabwe possessed considerable geological potential that remained underexplored despite centuries of mining activity.
“For Zimbabwe to realise its full mining potential, exploration cannot remain a peripheral activity. It must become a central pillar of national mining policy. Every producing mine began as an exploration target, and every major mining economy has been built upon continuous investment in discovering new resources.”
Mukondiwa said while Zimbabwe had many successful mining operations, the country still lacked medium-scale and truly world-class large-scale gold mines by international production standards.
“There is enormous opportunity to discover deposits capable of supporting mid-tier and top-tier mining operations. Such discoveries have the potential to transform production, attract significant international investment, create thousands of jobs and extend the lifespan of Zimbabwe’s mining industry well into future generations.”
He said junior exploration companies were uniquely positioned to undertake the high-risk, high-reward work of identifying new mineral deposits, often providing the pipeline from which future producing mines emerge.
Mukondiwa added that Duration Gold viewed participation in the Mine Entra conference as an opportunity to contribute constructively to national discussions on the future of mining.
“Mr Dolan is delighted to be sharing a platform with many distinguished mining experts, policymakers and industry leaders at what remains Zimbabwe’s premier mining conference. These exchanges are invaluable because they bring together the collective experience required to chart the industry’s future.”
He said Duration Gold remained committed to working alongside Government in advancing Zimbabwe’s mining ambitions.
“Our vision aligns closely with Government’s aspirations for a prosperous, investment-friendly and globally competitive mining industry. Duration Gold is passionate about partnering Government because we share the same objective of unlocking Zimbabwe’s extraordinary mineral potential through responsible investment, modern exploration and sustainable mine development.”
“As a company, we remain proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Government and all stakeholders in helping build a mining sector capable of growing in leaps and bounds. Exploration is the bridge between today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s prosperity, and we believe Zimbabwe’s greatest mining discoveries may still lie ahead.”
