Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) has said preparations for the highly anticipated prime specialised international exhibition, Mine Entra, are progressing well.
HAZ is eager to welcome a diverse range of participants from the mining, engineering, and transport sectors during the Expo.
The prestigious three-day event will be held between 17 and 19 July at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo. It will run under the theme: “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialisation Nexus.”
Hosted and organised by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company in conjunction with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Chamber of Mines, Mine Entra aims to showcase the latest developments in the mining industry, both locally and globally.
In an interview, HAZ second vice-president and chairperson of the Bulawayo Chapter, Mr Kudzai Ratisai said as a sector they were excited to host yet another major event in the city.
“As an industry, we are excited that we have another big event to be held in the city after we had the successful oversubscribed 64th edition of the premier trade showcase, ZITF 2024 in April. We are making preparations once again to make sure that we can successfully host the players in the engineering and transport sectors next month,” he said.
Mr Ratisai, who is also the Cresta Churchill general manager, said tourism industry players were committing to continuously deliver unparalleled world-class services to guests.
He emphasised the sector’s dedication to offering exceptional experiences to participants, while also ensuring their pricing models will be in check.
The ZITF Company has said the Mine Entra 2024 exhibitor profile encompasses the length and breadth of the mining value chain including geological survey, exploration development, mining investment and financing, smelting and processing techniques and equipment, mining services.
In a recent update, ZITF Company chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele said this year’s theme is meant to highlight how the mining sector is currently experiencing a significant transformation on the back of investments in exploration, mine development mechanisation and innovation.
He said it also rallies the call for the sector to innovate and optimise its mining and mineral processing techniques to create strong value chains and ultimately drive resource-based industrialisation.
“Conversations during Mine Entra 2024 will zero in on unlocking a future of greater mining productivity, environmental responsibility and economic prosperity. These are expected to feed into the Minerals Development Policy, Value Addition and Beneficiation strategy, the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) strategy at a mining sector level, and the National Development Strategy at a broader economic level,” said Dr Ndebele.
He said exhibition space uptake has been positive with 176 exhibitors registered to date, of which nine companies are foreign, representing China, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Traditionally viewed as mature and capital-intensive, the mining sector is now undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by innovation and a focus on value chains and industrialisation.
“This convergence of mining and innovation opens up exciting possibilities for a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable future. By utilising innovation, the mining industry can improve mining processes, optimise mineral processing techniques, develop robust value chains, and ultimately lead to resource-based industrialisation,” said Dr Ndebele.
The mining sector has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and export earnings.
The sector has grown from a US$2,7 billion industry in 2017 to a staggering US$12 billion in 2023.
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