adminBecause the country is exporting unprocessed minerals, the economy is losing millions of dollars in potential revenue.
This negative development can be reversed by introducing nanotechnology in mining.
Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale. This covers both work and concepts that are more advanced. In its original sense, nanotechnology refers to the projected ability to construct items from the bottom up, using techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, high performance products.
In an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing Sixth Africa Materials Research Society International Conference of the Africa Materials Research Society (AMRS) in Victoria Falls on Wednesday, Professor Paras Prasad from the State University of New York said:
“Without nanotechnology, platinum or diamonds will continue to be exported in their raw form instead of semi- processed or finished products.”
He said platinum ore often has other valuable minerals such as silver, chrome, cobalt and to some extent gold.
“If the mining industry introduced nanotechnology, these minerals will be separated and each will be sold at its full value,” he said.
Platinum is used in electronics and scientific apparatus, as jewellery, in dentistry, as catalyst in petroleum refining, in car exhaust anti-pollution devices and in platinum resistance thermometers.
On the other hand, only 20 percent of diamonds are fit for gem use. The other 80 percent are used for industrial purposes, especially as abrasives and as diamond saws, which are rotary saws with tiny diamond studs that can cut almost anything. In fact, the only way to cut and polish a diamond gem is with a diamond saw.
Professor Prasad also said Zimbabwe could be a top exporter of energy through harvesting, storing and selling heat energy overseas.
Speaking on the same matter, Africa Materials Research Society president, Dr Joseph Zimba said solar energy was the way to go for the country.
He said the weather conditions were perfect for use of solar technology.
“It is the cheapest way of generating power because the construction of grids can be very expensive. We have a lot of sunshine that makes sense for renewable energy and we have key materials in the country,” he said.
Dr Zimba added that science and technology was the lasting tool to total empowerment.
derick.khumalo