Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
ZIMBABWE has challenged Chinese investors to move beyond mineral extraction and invest in large-scale beneficiation and value-addition projects, as Government pushes to transform the country from a raw materials exporter into a fully industrialised mining economy.
Speaking at a meeting with the Chinese Business Chamber in Zimbabwe, Secretary for Mines and Mining Development Dr Thomas Utete Wushe said the country was ready for deeper partnerships with Chinese firms, particularly in the establishment of refineries, smelters and mineral processing plants.
Dr Wushe said Zimbabwe could no longer afford to export raw minerals while losing opportunities for jobs, infrastructure development and increased national revenue.
“Zimbabwe is open for business, and we want China to grow with us, not just as partners, but as co-architects of a new mining era,” he said.
“Our mineral endowment is vast, gold, lithium, platinum, chrome, diamonds and more. But potential alone does not pay dividends. We need large-scale investment.”
He urged Chinese companies to bring capital, advanced technology and long-term investment strategies that would enable the development of world-class mines capable of sustaining production beyond commodity cycles.
Dr Wushe stressed that mineral extraction alone was no longer sufficient under Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“Zimbabwe cannot remain a raw materials economy. We demand value addition. Invest in our beneficiation plants. Process our lithium into battery-grade material here. Smelt our platinum on Zimbabwean soil,” he said.
“Every ton of mineral that leaves as concentrate is a lost opportunity for jobs, infrastructure and revenue.”
He said the Government wanted to see the construction of lithium processing plants, platinum smelters, diamond polishing centres and other downstream industries that would create employment and increase export earnings.
Beyond investment, Dr Wushe also called for meaningful skills transfer from Chinese investors to Zimbabweans.
“We do not want only your machines; we want your knowledge. Train our engineers, our geologists and our artisans. Create joint technical programmes,” he said.
“When you leave, leave behind a workforce that can manage, maintain and innovate. That is sustainable partnership.”
Dr Wushe further appealed to Chinese investors to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry’s provincial offices, which he described as critical in regulating mining activities and facilitating community engagement.
“Our mines are in the provinces — Masvingo, Midlands, Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West. These offices are the frontline of regulation, licensing and community liaison,” he said.
He said collaboration with provincial offices would help reduce bureaucratic delays, speed up approvals and improve relations with local communities.
“Help us build their capacity through shared logistics, data systems or even technical secondments. A strong provincial presence means fewer disputes and faster production,” said Dr Wushe.
He described Zimbabwe and China as “natural allies”, saying the two countries had the opportunity to build a mutually beneficial mining partnership anchored on industrialisation, technology transfer and local value creation.
“You have the capital and technology. We have the resources and determination. But the future belongs to those who add value, share skills and respect local systems,” he said.
“Let us break ground on that future — starting today.”
