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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Stakeholders in the mining sector are set to convene in Gweru for an all-stakeholders’ meeting meant to unlock the potential in base minerals and gemstones so that the economy can fully benefit from the precious stones.

Organised by the Zimbabwe Miner’s Federation (ZMF) in conjunction with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the meeting is set to run from September 10 to 11 at Gweru Business Convention Centre.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando and his Finance and Economic Development counterpart Professor Mthuli Ncube are expected to be part of the dignitaries to grace the event as the mining sector seeks to find solutions on how best to benefit from some neglected stones.

ZMF spokesperson Mr Dosman Mangisi said the meeting will bring together major players in the mining industry to try and unlock potential value in the otherwise undermined resources.

“This is a great convention where we are unlocking potential and value in the base minerals as well as the gemstones. It will offer that opportunity to unveil economic opportunities that the minerals can play in the economic development, especially looking at the role of the mining sector towards achieving Vision 2030,” he said.

Mr Mangisi said focus will be on how the economy can fully benefit from the underutilised minerals.

“Much focus is given to gold and to a certain extent diamond, but we also have other minerals that have the potential of playing a critical role in the economic turnaround strategy. The focus will be on how to fully benefit from the base minerals like chrome, copper, tantalite and other unrecognised minerals.

“We will look at how these minerals can benefit the economy,” said Mr Mangisi.

“We also have gemstones, which is a billion-dollar sector that is lying dormant.

“We want to unearth it, meaning to say all these mineral will be exhibited on the day,” he said.

Mr Mangisi said the issue of technology, which is key in the mining sector, will also be discussed where new technologies to extract the minerals from underground would be discussed.

“Technology is very key in the sector. We will look at exploration, mining and value addition technologies as well as beneficiation so that we fully benefit from the minerals,” said Mr Mangisi.

He said given the correct tools of trade, the mining sector can carry the hopes of attaining Vision 2030.