Zimbabwe has extended a bold invitation to the global mining community, calling on investors to go beyond the extraction of raw minerals and establish manufacturing and industrial operations within the country — a move poised to reshape Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory and strengthen its position as a value-driven mining destination.
The call was delivered by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Winston Chitando, during his keynote address at the China Mining Conference and Exhibition, one of the world’s most influential platforms for mining investment and cooperation.
Speaking under the theme “Zimbabwe: Africa’s Premier Mining Investment Destination – Partnership, Growth and Beneficiation,” Minister Chitando outlined a forward-looking strategy that envisions Zimbabwe as a hub for value-added mineral production and industrial growth.
“We invite you not just to mine in Zimbabwe, but to manufacture and industrialise with us,” Minister Chitando declared, conveying the vision of His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa.
He emphasised that the Government is no longer satisfied with being a mere exporter of raw resources, stressing that the future of African mining lies in value addition and beneficiation.
“This is where our partnerships reach their highest potential,” he said. “By investing in beneficiation, you secure a strategic advantage — access to raw materials at the source, transformed into high-value products for the global market. You are not just extracting value; you are creating it here in Zimbabwe — creating jobs and building an industrial legacy.”
The Minister cited the successful operations of major Chinese investors — including Huayou Cobalt at Arcadia, Sinomine at Bikita Minerals, and Chengxin at Sabi Star — as tangible evidence that Zimbabwe’s partnership model delivers results.
He further assured investors of a secure, transparent, and profitable business environment, highlighting the Second Republic’s commitment to policy stability, streamlined licensing procedures, and a strengthened legal framework.
Zimbabwe’s beneficiation strategy, he noted, focuses on establishing lithium processing and battery material plants to support the global energy transition, expanding ferrochrome smelting capacity, and developing value-added industries for platinum group metals (PGMs), gold, and diamonds.
Minister Chitando concluded by reaffirming Zimbabwe’s readiness for partnership, citing the country’s vast mineral resources, proven track record with international investors, and strong political will to achieve industrial transformation.
“The narrative is changing — and the evidence is on the ground,” he said. “Join us, and together, let us build a legacy of partnership, growth, and industrialisation.”