Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
Vice-President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga says Zimbabwe has a unique opportunity to position itself at the centre of the Fourth Industrial Revolution as global demand for critical minerals surges.
He, however, stressed that the country can only unlock the full value of its mineral wealth through sustained investment in exploration.
Addressing delegates at the inaugural Exploration Symposium held during the 29th edition of Mine Entra in Bulawayo on Thursday, VP Chiwenga said critical minerals had become strategic resources underpinning technological advancement, clean energy and modern industrial development.
He said the symposium represented more than an industry gathering, but reflected Zimbabwe’s determination to transform its mineral endowment into a catalyst for economic growth through innovation, investment and responsible resource management.
“The theme is more than a conference but a declaration of Zimbabwe’s national intent as it recognises that decisions taken today regarding exploration, technology, investment, skills development and responsible resource management will shape the future of the mining industry for generations to come,” said VP Chiwenga.
Global competition for critical minerals has intensified as countries race to secure resources required for emerging technologies, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
“Global demand for critical minerals is rising as nations accelerate towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Critical minerals now underpin digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, electric mobility and clean energy,” he said.
“Those who secure these resources today will lead tomorrow’s global economy.”
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe’s mineral endowment placed the country in a favourable position to participate in the emerging global mineral economy.
“Zimbabwe holds a vast endowment of these critical minerals and rare earth elements. This presents us with a historic opportunity to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, only if we invest in understanding the full extent of our mineral wealth.
“We cannot benefit from resources that remain undiscovered, poorly understood or inadequately quantified.”
Critical minerals are naturally occurring resources regarded as essential to modern economies because of their role in strategic technologies and the risk of supply disruptions.
They are key inputs in electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy technologies, artificial intelligence applications and other advanced industrial systems.
Zimbabwe has significant deposits of critical minerals, including lithium, platinum group metals, graphite, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements, positioning the country as a potential supplier to global value chains.
VP Chiwenga said the Exploration Symposium provided a platform for Government, industry, investors, researchers and financiers to develop strategies to strengthen exploration and maximise the value of mineral resources.
“This inaugural Exploration Indaba therefore provides a platform for Government, industry, investors, researchers, financiers and other stakeholders to deliberate on how Zimbabwe can strengthen mineral exploration, expand geological knowledge, attract responsible investment and unlock the full value of our mineral resources.”
He said mining remains central to the country’s ambition of achieving an upper middle-income economy under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The Vice-President said the Government was implementing reforms aimed at creating a transparent and investor-friendly mining environment.
“The Mines and Minerals Act provides a legal foundation for exploration, ensuring that all mineral rights are vested in the State and managed transparently through prospecting licences and special grants.
“To strengthen this framework, the Government has tabled the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, now before Parliament, which introduces modern reforms including a digital mining cadastre, streamlined licensing, enhanced environmental safeguards, and clearer community benefit frameworks.”
He said the reforms would make Zimbabwe’s exploration sector more competitive and aligned with international best practice.
