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Business Reporter
SMALL scale miners will exhibit at this year’s Mining, Engineering and Transport Expo later this month, the president of the Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small Scale Miners Council, Mr Wellington Takavarasha, has said. The annual event is organized by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company and will run from 24 to 26 July at the ZITF Exhibition Centre.
“Preparations for this year’s small scale miner’s expo are at an advanced stage.
“We are busy with advertisements and meetings so as to fully prepare small scale miners for this mega event. We have invited companies and they will be showcasing their equipment,” said Mr Takavarasha.
In 2012 the small-scale mining sector contributed 30 percent of the national gold production, making it an integral player in the mining sector.
However, Mr Takavarasha bemoaned the $2 000 registration fee which they were required to pay in order to exhibit at Mine Entra.
“As the mining council we are aware of these fees and we have organized a meeting in order to iron out these issues with relevant stakeholders,” he said.
The business theme for this year’s Mine Entra is “Extract Value, Boost Economic Growth”.
Mr Isaac Nkomo, a small scale miner from Mbembesi, said he saw Mine Entra precursor to better business.
“As a small scale miner I feel glad and empowered in that I will be able to showcase my exhibitions at this Mine Entra expo.
“Although it is tough out there in terms of mining business, such a platform encourages us.
“I would also want to thank the Government for its support in terms of loans and marketing especially the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Obert Mpofu,” said Mr Nkomo.
The 2013 Mine Entra will be officially opened on 25 July and the guest of honour would be announced in due course.
Online Reporter