Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
VICE-President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga on Thursday (today) headlines the inaugural Exploration Symposium at the 29th edition of Mine Entra in Bulawayo, underscoring Government’s determination to unlock Zimbabwe’s vast untapped mineral wealth through increased investment in mineral exploration.
The symposium, one of the flagship events of Mine Entra 2026, which began on Wednesday, comes as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to expand its mining industry by accelerating the discovery of new mineral deposits to sustain long-term production, attract fresh investment and advance the country’s ambition of building a US$12 billion mining economy.
Held under the broader Mine Entra theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation through Mining Value Chains,” the symposium has drawn Government policymakers, global exploration experts, geologists, investors, mining executives and financial institutions to deliberate on strategies for strengthening mineral exploration, promoting junior mining companies and deploying modern technologies to improve mineral discovery.
Vice-President Chiwenga is expected to deliver the keynote address following presentations by Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe officials and Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura, who will outline Government policy priorities and incentives designed to stimulate mineral exploration and support the growth of junior mining companies.
Exploration is widely regarded as the bedrock of a sustainable mining industry as it replenishes depleted mineral reserves, extends the lifespan of existing mines and unlocks new mining projects capable of generating employment, export earnings and downstream industrial development.
Zimbabwe is endowed with more than 60 known mineral occurrences, including gold, platinum group metals, lithium, chrome, diamonds, coal, copper and rare earth elements.
However, large sections of the country’s geological potential remain underexplored, presenting significant opportunities for new discoveries and investment.
Against this backdrop, delegates will examine practical measures to strengthen Zimbabwe’s exploration ecosystem, improve access to exploration capital, enhance geological data availability and position the country as a preferred destination for global mineral exploration investment.
The symposium is expected to produce practical recommendations to accelerate exploration activity, expand Zimbabwe’s mineral resource base and reinforce mining’s position as the country’s largest export-earning sector and a key driver of industrialisation, value addition and economic transformation.
