Zanu-PF urged to back mineral beneficiation drive

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has challenged Zanu-PF members to fully support Government policies on value addition and beneficiation of minerals, saying increased mineral value and export earnings will drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

Speaking at the 130th Ordinary Central Committee meeting in Harare yesterday, the President — who is also the Zanu-PF First Secretary — said party members must remain united behind the Second Republic’s beneficiation thrust, which is in line with resolutions adopted at the 22nd National People’s Conference held in Mutare last year.

“I also applaud the party membership as a whole, for supporting the policies of our Zanu-PF-led Government, with regards value addition and beneficiation, which are in line with the conference resolutions made in Mutare. The value of our minerals and export earnings, must impact our economy and be enjoyed by all of us, the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.

Government has moved to ban the export of raw lithium concentrates and other minerals as part of a broader strategy to promote local processing and ensure the country captures greater value from its mineral wealth.

Authorities expect the ban to stimulate industrial growth, boost export earnings and contribute to higher GDP by maximising national benefits from mineral resources.

President Mnangagwa also highlighted close collaboration between Government and the private sector in devising innovative solutions to reduce economic vulnerability.

“On its part, Government and the private sector, are closely collaborating, towards innovative solutions to reduce overall economic vulnerability,” he said.

The President noted the impact of global disruptions — particularly the conflict in the Middle East — and said the Government was implementing measures to shield Zimbabwe from adverse spill over effects.

“The ongoing global disruptions, particularly the negative trickle-down effects of the Middle East conflicts are receiving due attention from Government. We encourage our people to remain resilient and engrossed in driving development, production and productivity across all sectors,” said President Mnangagwa.

Among the interventions introduced to mitigate the effects of the conflict are the rationalisation of fuel taxes and an increase in the ethanol blend in petrol from 5 percent to 20 percent — measures aimed at easing fuel pressures and supporting broader economic stability.