THE Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ) will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) and conference in Victoria Falls from May 30 to June 2, 2023.
CoMZ chief executive officer Isaac Kwesu (IK) told NewsDay Business (ND) editor, Mthandazo Nyoni that this year, for the first time, there will be a lithium symposium on the sidelines of the main conference running under the theme Mining for Economic Transformation: Creating Growth Enablers for the Mining Industry.
Zimbabwe has become one of the biggest lithium producers in the world. Below are excerpts from the interview.
ND: What is the purpose of the upcoming Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe's AGM conference and exhibition?
IK: Chamber of Mines AGM and annual mining conference has emerged to become the mining industry prime event which provides a platform for key stakeholders to engage and network.
The closed-door AGM is a chamber constitution requirement that provides for the election/re-election of chamber leadership (office bearers), and election of members into executive committee and the council.
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The annual mining conference has received overwhelming support over the years and continues to attract key stakeholders including the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, government ministers, and senior executives of mining houses, senior executives of suppliers for the mining industry, investors, financiers, labour and communities.
The participation of government ministers has allowed the chamber to use the platform to engage government on pertinent matters affecting the mining industry.
The annual mining conference has also enhanced the chamber brand visibility which has assisted in building respect and trust among key stakeholders.
The conference also provides an opportunity for suppliers and mining companies to exhibit and showcase their products.
ND: Who are the targeted participants for this conference and exhibition?
IK: The conference draws participants from senior executives of mining companies, suppliers, bankers, financiers, investors, as well as senior government officials and all other stakeholders with interests in the mining industry.
ND: What are some of the key themes that will be discussed during conference sessions?
IK: There will be a lithium symposium on the sidelines of the main conference running under the theme Unleashing the Growth Potential of the Battery Minerals Value Chain.
NB: Who are the notable speakers or presenters who will be attending the event?
IK: The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour.
Other notable speakers include Winston Chitando (Mines and Mining Development minister); John Mangudya (governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe); July Ndlovu (mining expert); John Sisay (international mining expert); chief executive officers of banking institutions including Stanbic, Nedbank, Ecobank, ZB Bank, Old Mutual, CBZ, Mining Industry Association of Southern Africa; and representatives from Hatch (international technology company).
NB: Any opportunities for companies to showcase their products and services at the conference?
IK: There will be opportunities to exhibit at the conference; details can be obtained from the chamber secretariat.
NB: What are some of the specific networking opportunities that delegates can expect from attending this conference and exhibition?
IK: There will be several networking and entertainment activities lined up including sponsored boat cruises, dinners, cocktails and a golf networking tournament.
NB: How many delegates are you expecting at the conference?
IK: We are expecting a minimum of 400 delegates at this year’s event.