Mining firms urged to embrace innovation
OWN CORRESPONDENT
The mining sector should embrace innovation if the sector is to improve process efficiency, reduce costs and enhance sustainability, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking last week at the Mine Entra in Bulawayo, President Mnangagwa added that innovation is essential because it makes it possible to exploit new deposits in more complicated situations.
“The adoption of innovation in the mining sector is essential for the industry to remain competitive and sustainable. New technologies can help to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the environmental impact of mining. Mining companies must also create a culture of innovation within their organizations.
“I call upon mining companies to collaborate with universities and other research institutions to develop and adopt new technologies,” President Mnangagwa said.
The opening and expansion of new mines, he claimed, determined the rate of growth in the mining industry.
“The mining industry’s expansion is supported by exploration, the opening of new mines, resuscitation of closed mines, the expansion of existing ones, local mineral beneficiation, and value addition.”
Mnangagwa said mining companies should take part in corporate social responsibilities in the communities where they are operating.”
President Mnangagwa also urged local mining companies to procure a certain percentage of their goods and services from local suppliers in line with the Buy Zimbabwe Campaign.
“This will help to grow the domestic economy and create jobs.
“Mining companies must invest in infrastructure that will support the development of downstream industries. This includes things like roads, railways, and power plants,” he said.
