Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
THE mining sector must scale up its role in the development of the greater economy and national priorities as the country prepares a new economic blueprint, National Development Strategy 2, President Mnangagwa has said.
He made the remarks yesterday at Zimplats Selous Metallurgical Complex, near Chegutu where he commissioned a 35MW solar project and an expanded smelting plant — two projects set to give the firm impetus to its continued growth.
The President commended the mining sector for its innovation, saying it contributed immensely to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“I commend the mining industry for its resilience, innovation and ingenuity. This has seen the sector recording sustained growth, which contributed significantly to our GDP. This has been partly attributable to the constant dialogue between the Government and the mining sector, that has proven to be mutually beneficial and further facilitating competitiveness,” said President Mnangagwa.
“As we approach the launch of our National Development Strategy 2, I expect the sector to be alive to the role it must play to scale up other divisions of our economy. We must be deliberate in promoting value addition and beneficiation, in line with overarching national development priority areas.”
Platinum, the President said, played a critical role in the country’s modernisation and industrialisation thrust.
“As you may be aware, platinum is a critical metal for development with far-reaching implications. Globally, this relates, particularly to clean energy technologies, industrial and chemical processes, as well as pharmaceuticals. It has an indispensable role in shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future, and in our context, a modern and industrialised economy,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended Zimplats for the two projects which he described as a remarkable milestone in the country’s quest for industrial advancement, energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.
The two projects, said President Mnangagwa, demonstrated Zimplats’ assurance that it will remain as a strategic partner in the ongoing industrialisation journey, towards Vision 2030.
“Projects of this nature are an example of the highly impactful results our country can achieve through the strong collaboration and unity of purpose as Government, industry and communities. Synergies, must be the norm across all sectors and lead to tangible economic benefits, including jobs, foreign currency savings, fiscal contributions and the accelerated adoption of green and clean energy. I congratulate Zimplats for being a trailblazer, in this respect. Makorokoto. Amhlophe,” he said.
The President outlined the genesis of Zimplats current expansion programme which saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the mining firm and the Government in 2021 under which a beneficiation roadmap was outlined, in line with the company’s US$1.8 billion expansion programme.
It was pleasing, said President Mnangagwa, that the first phase of the 185MW solar project and the expanded smelter, had been completed as per the provisions of the MOU.
“This underscores our shared vision for a thriving mining sector that contributes significantly to our nation’s economic growth and sustainable development. Embedded in this ongoing success story by Zimplats, is the company’s commitment to operational excellence and goal of creating a better future for all its stakeholders. As one of the notable companies in our economy, we applaud your support for Zimbabwe’s sustainable development goals,” said the President.
With Zimbabwe being among the top countries with large reserves of platinum, President Mnangagwa said, it was commendable that the sub-sector was well-coordinated with clear and achievable benchmarks for success.
“This has seen the sector grow in line with my Government’s vision, anchored mainly on exploration, the opening of new mines and expansion of existing projects. In undertaking these endeavours, we all have a duty to guard and protect the environment, while ensuring that stakeholders, especially communities, benefit from business operations,” said President Mnangagwa.
He hailed the two investments, which he said had the potential to transform Zimbabwe into a regional hub for platinum processing, employment opportunities in the sector and a catalyst for downstream industries.
“It is indeed through shared aspirations and collective efforts that we can maximise the utilisation of our natural resources for the benefit of all
Zimbabweans, as well as our SADC region,” he said.
In commending the project, President Mnangagwa noted that at its peak, the project created over 1 600 jobs.
“The resulted knowledge transfer during the construction phase, has been invaluable, especially to our young artisans. Hence, this expanded operational capacity by
Zimplats has also contributed to the growth of skills within our local workforce,” he said.
“This aligns with my Government’s vision of creating a skilled workforce that will drive our country’s industrialisation efforts.”
He said the solar project, provides 8% of energy requirements of the mining firm, demonstrating the company’s commitment to clean energy.
President Mnangagwa also commended Zimplats for prioritising community engagement throughout the lifecycle of the project.
“The local enterprise development programme being undertaken, has incubated 23 small and medium enterprises engaged in manufacturing, as well as the provision of engineering and other services.
Additionally, Zimplats has invested in five associate companies where Zimplats Mhondoro-Ngezi, Chegutu and Zvimba Community Share Ownership Trust has shareholding,” he said.
Earlier on, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando commended Zimplats for its continued investment in the mining sector despite a decline in metal prices globally.
He commended President Mnangagwa for providing guidance in growing the country’s economy.
“Today, we have seen visionary leadership that champions development. It is transformative leadership of a man who has dedicated his life to improve people’s lives,” said Minister Chitando.
In her welcome remarks, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution responsible for Mashonaland West province Marian Chombo commended Zimplats for delivering tangible results given the several plants and projects it has commissioned in recent years.
She noted that Zimplats continued to upgrade it’s plants as it seeks to move with modern technology and ensure increased output in terms of production.
“These are landmark developments that
speak volume of its desire to have clean energy,” said Minister Chombo.
She said as a province they were proud with the firm and ready to play their role.
Minister Chombo said Zimplats continued to grow the Provincial Gross Domestic Product and efforts being made by Zimplats was consistent with Government industrialisation agenda.
Implants chairperson, Adv Tandi Orleyn outlined several projects that have been registered by the firm in recent years.
“What we are commissioning today is belief, belief in the future, belief in collaboration and sustained action. We are committed to be more than an investor but to become an ambassador of Zimbabwe,” said Adv Tandi.
She said the firm has continued to invest in various areas including corporate social responsibility despite the volatile geo political environment which has seen subdued commodity prices globally.
The solar plant is the initial phase of a larger 185 MW renewable energy project and will see the mining firm reduce, in a significant way, reliance on the country power national grid.
Established at a cost of US$37 million, the project is a first phase of a staggered and overall plan of 185MW project pegged at $201 million.
The solar plant will go a long way in giving impetus at Zimplats efforts to improve energy security, minimise it’s carbon footprint and inevitably reduce energy costs, thus enhancing it’s viability and profitability.
Yesterday’s event was attended by Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, Zanu PF Politburo members and traditional leaders, among others.
