The Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines annual general meeting officially starts today in Victoria Falls under the theme “Competitive position of Zimbabwe’s mining sector on the African mining scene”.
The conference comes at a time when indigenisation is taking centre stage at most discussions and is again expected to top the agenda.
Mines and Mining Development minister Obert Mpofu will officially open the event.
Global financial services firm Morgan Stanely’s Investment Banking division managing director Heinz Pley will deliver the keynote address “Changing mining laws and lessons for Zimbabwe”.
The chamber of mines is projecting the mining sector to continue on a strong growth path in 2011 on the back of its performance in 2010.
The chamber recently said it was envisaged that all sub-sectors would record further growth, with the notable exception of asbestos and, to some extent, granite.
On a weighted basis, the mining sector is forecast to record a weighted growth of 44% in 2011, with platinum and gold being the lead sub-sectors contributing to strong growth.
However, the chamber has warned: “The government must not mistake the green shoots of recovery for a tropical forest.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“It is important that good economic policies be sustained going forward to strengthen recovery fundamentals.”
According to figures made available by the chamber of mines, the sector produced minerals worth $394,7 million in the first quarter of 2011.
The first panel discussion — Contribution of mining to social Economic Development’s will be tackled by Mines minster Mpofu, Finance minister Tendai Biti, Minister of Economic planning and Investment Promotion Tapiwa Mashakada, ZB Holdings Head of Economic and Strategy and Mimosa MD Winston Chitando.
Mines and Mining Development secretary Thankful Musukutwa, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion secretary Desire Sibanda, Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment secretary Prince Mupazviriho, Zimplats chief executive Alex Mhembere and Economist Tony Hawkins will take part in the second panel discussion — “What must Zimbabwe do?”
