Online Reporter
Business Reporter
The Mineral Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), which is responsible for marketing all minerals mined in the country except silver and gold, has bought drones to enhance mineral accounting by surveilling transit cargo and production stocks.
This is part of initiatives to combat illicit mineral activities, MMCZ general manager Dr Nomsa Moyo said in a statement.
Mining is a strategically important sector of Zimbabwe’s economy. It accounts for about 12 percent of the Gross Domestic Product and roughly 80 percent of all shipments.
Further, mining is a signficant source of employment across the country while key key minerals include gold, platinum, chrome, nickel, coal, lithium and diamonds.
The sector is expected to play a key role towards the country’s vision of reaching upper middle income status by 2030 and MMCZ is strengthening the economic foundation to support the realisation of this goal.
Once licensed, the corporation plans to deploy drone technology for enhanced surveillance and real-time detection of illegal activities. This will also enable effective monitoring of remote areas, tracking the movement of minerals and conducting volumetric analysis.
Dr Moyo said that drones can precisely measure the volume of excavated material and stockpiles, enabling accurate reconciliation with declared production and identifying discrepancies that may indicate illicit extraction or trade.
Zimbabwe has reportedly faced rampant mineral leakages, with anecdotal evidence suggesting the country loses millions of dollars through smuggling.
In a further effort to curb corruption, the MMCZ is finalising the launch of a whistleblowing facility.
The initiative will encourage all Zimbabweans to report corrupt activities that lead to mineral revenue loss.
The MMCZ emphasises that minerals are a national asset that must be exported at correct market values and appropriately taxed.
