Tiyani Hahlani

Acting President Constantino Chiwenga has called for a fundamental shift in Zimbabwe’s mining strategy, urging the country to stop exporting raw minerals and focus instead on building local industries that empower citizens.

Speaking at the launch of the 28th Mine Entra Conference in Bulawayo on October 9, held under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future,” Chiwenga said the annual mining indaba should serve as more than just an exhibition, but as a platform to shape the country’s industrial future and safeguard the environment.

“We must move from exporting raw ore to exporting finished products. Every tonne extracted must translate into jobs created, industries built, and communities transformed,” said Chiwenga.

Chiwenga urged miners to act as responsible custodians of the nation’s mineral wealth and to ensure mining benefits the nation rather than individuals.

“You are the custodians of our mineral wealth, so you must handle it with integrity, exploit it responsibly, and protect it as a national trust — not for personal gain,” said Chiwenga.

The Acting President also called on stakeholders in the mining sector to move beyond self-enrichment and focus on innovation, beneficiation, and community empowerment.

His remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to promote local value addition in mining.

Earlier this year, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando announced that Zimbabwe would ban the export of lithium concentrates starting January 2027 to boost domestic refining and increase revenue from processed lithium products.

Zimbabwe holds some of the world’s largest lithium reserves, particularly in Bikita, Goromonzi, and Mutoko, attracting significant interest from global investors amid rising demand for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

The government has been pushing for beneficiation across all mineral sectors as part of its strategy to industrialise the economy and increase domestic value retention.

Chiwenga reaffirmed the government’s stance that Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth must primarily benefit its citizens.

“Our minerals must build our industries, empower our people, and secure the prosperity of generations to come,” he said.