Zimbabwe's mining sector has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth, generating over US$20 billion in mineral exports from 2018 to the present, according to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Kamativi Mining Company's spodumene mine and lithium flotation plant, Minister Zhemu Soda highlighted the sector's pivotal role in the country's gross domestic product.
The minister emphasized the remarkable growth trajectory of Zimbabwe's mining industry, particularly in the lithium subsector. He revealed that the export of various minerals, including gold, platinum, and lithium, had yielded more than US$20 billion in revenue since 2018.
Despite regulations implemented to control the export of raw lithium, stakeholders in the subsector surpassed their set target for exports. Although the initial goal for lithium exports was set at US$500 million, the actual figure exceeded expectations, exceeding US$600 million. This achievement highlights the economic significance of lithium minerals such as spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite.
Minister Soda expressed the ministry's commitment to implementing strategies aimed at maximizing Zimbabwe's mineral resources. These strategies include establishing special purpose vehicles for mineral exploration, revitalizing dormant mines, opening new mining operations, expanding current projects, addressing mineral leakages, enhancing capacity utilization, and promoting value addition and beneficiation across the entire sector.
With the mining sector's substantial contribution to Zimbabwe's economic growth, the government remains focused on harnessing the full potential of the country's mineral wealth to drive sustainable development and prosperity.
