Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
MATABELELAND North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, has emphasised the need for collective commitment to responsible mining practices to ensure the province’s mineral wealth translates into tangible and lasting benefits for locals.
Speaking at a recent mining business forum in Victoria Falls, Minister Moyo said the extraction of minerals must go hand-in-hand with community development and the fair distribution of benefits.
“The challenge before us, however, is not merely to extract minerals, but to ensure that mining activities translate into tangible and lasting benefits for our people,” he said.
“This requires a collective commitment to responsible mining practices, community participation, local content development and the just sharing of benefits arising from our mineral wealth.”
The mining conference was held under the theme: “Unlock Value, Maximize Benefits, Sustain Growth”, which Minister Moyo said resonates strongly with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
The minister said Matabeleland North Province remains a cornerstone of the national economy, endowed with vast mineral resources hosting significant operations such as Hwange Colliery Company Limited, Kamativi Lithium Mine, and Makomo Resources.
Recent years have seen a surge in mining investments across the province. The Kamativi Lithium Mine, a US$249 million project commissioned in April 2024, has already created over 1 200 jobs and is processing lithium concentrate while constructing a lithium sulphate plant to comply with the Government’s value-addition policy.
The Muchesu Coal Mine, with resources exceeding two billion tonnes, is being developed by Pacific Goal Investments and is expected to support Zimbabwe’s drive toward energy security.
Zhongjin Heli Energy, valued at over US$500 million, is developing an integrated industrial park in Hwange that includes a coal-fired power plant, cement factory and coking plant.
Caledonia Mining has also approved the US$584 million Bilboes Gold Project, with production targeted at 200 000 ounces annually starting in 2029.
“We are encouraged by the renewed investor interest in the province, particularly in critical minerals, energy minerals and value-addition projects, which position Matabeleland North as a strategic hub for mining-led growth,” said Minister Moyo.
He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to maintaining a conducive investment climate characterised by policy consistency, infrastructure development, and ease of doing business reforms.
Minister Moyo also urged participants at the conference to engage openly and constructively in formulating practical solutions to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
“As a province, we remain committed to maintaining a conducive investment climate characterised by policy consistency, infrastructure development, ease of doing business reforms and constructive engagement with the private sector,” he said.
Minister Moyo further noted that the province will continue to take a keen interest in the successful development of the mining sector to ensure that communities benefit from the natural resources.
