MINES and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando says Zimbabwe must embrace cutting-edge mining technologies to boost efficiency and remain competitive in the global market.
Mining is one of the two cornerstones of Zimbabwe’s economy, the other being agriculture, contributing over 60% of export earnings and providing employment to thousands.
The country is rich in minerals, including gold, platinum, lithium, diamonds and coal, making it a key player in the global commodities market.
However, inefficiencies, outdated equipment and environmental concerns have hindered growth, prompting calls for modernisation.
In response, government has prioritised mining reforms, aiming to increase production, attract foreign investment and adopt sustainable practices. Sweden, a global leader in mining innovation, offers expertise in automation, fossil-free steel production, and underground mining solutions — areas that could transform Zimbabwe’s industry.
Speaking at the Swedish-Zimbabwean Sustainability in Mining Expo yesterday, Chitando emphasised that efficiency and sustainability were key to ensuring Zimbabwe’s mining sector remained globally competitive.
“To remain in the game, we must be efficient. Efficiency comes with the right technology and this forum allows us to explore what innovations we can harness in our mining operations,” he said.
He also noted that competitiveness was critical, especially in a volatile global commodities market.
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“When prices fall, high-cost producers exit the market, leaving only the most efficient players standing. This affects supply and eventually pushes prices back up. To survive, we must continuously improve efficiency,” the minister added.
Chitando reaffirmed government’s commitment to responsible mining, referencing the Responsible Mining Initiative launched three years ago by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Mining must be a responsible industry — balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social responsibility,” he said.
“This expo aligns perfectly with our vision for a sustainable and inclusive mining sector.”
Sweden’s director-general for Trade Policy, Camilla Mellander, underscored the long-standing relationship between the two nations, which dates back to the European nation supporting Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“Zimbabwe and Sweden share a rich mining heritage. Sweden has been a mining nation for over a thousand years, and our experience in sustainability and innovation can be shared with Zimbabwe,” Mellander said.
She highlighted Sweden’s leadership in digitalisation and fossil-free steel production, noting that Swedish companies led in electrified mining equipment and Wi-Fi-enabled underground operations.
“More than 70% of underground mining equipment globally comes from Sweden. Our companies are at the forefront of green technology, producing fossil-free steel and driving digital transformation in mining,” Mellander said.
She also emphasised that access to critical minerals was vital for the global green transition, making sustainable mining a priority for both countries.
Swedish ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgärde, said the mining expo was a result of discussions between the Swedish embassy and business leaders in Johannesburg, South Africa, last year.
“Swedish companies saw great potential in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, and we developed this expo as a platform for collaboration. Today, we see that vision materialising,” the ambassador said.
He commended the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and Swedish companies for their commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties in the local mining industry.
