South Africa and Zimbabwe mining and investment industries come face to face at the inaugural 2018 Harare Indaba as Zimbabwe flings open wide its doors to doing business and has firmly put its business cap on in committing to a one day conference in Johannesburg on 26th March, set up by Resources for Africa, the custodians of the annual Joburg Indaba for mining and investment.
Zimbabwe’s total mining exports last year amounted to $2.6 billion, however the region is relatively under explored, boasting vast deposits of gold, lithium, platinum, coal and is sitting with a number of abandoned sites, some of which were last worked on way back in the 1930’s.
Having adopted a strategy “Ease of Doing Business” the Zimbabwean government aims to reform its mining sector to improve the business operating environment not only for the many small-scale miners, but also for larger mining companies. The country’s mining industry is governed by its Mines & Minerals Act (1961), which has undergone a review, part of the Ease of Doing Business program, and the Bill is presently under consideration by the Parliamentary Committee.
Two other pieces of legislation under review include the Precious Stones and the Gold Trade Act, and the Royalty Structure.
A long history exists between Zimbabwe and the South African business and investment communities and with the current changes with each respective mining sector, Paula Munsie, CEO Resources for Africa, responsible for the successful local Joburg Indaba series, has secured a visit of a high level Zimbabwean delegation comprised of the Zimbabwean Minster of Mines & Mining Development Hon. Minister Winston Chitando; Speaker of the Zimbabwean National Assembly Hon. Adv. Jacob Francis Mudenda; and the Chairperson of the Zimbabwean Mines & Energy Portfolio Committee, Hon Temba P Milswa.
“The delegation is coming specifically for the inaugural 2018 Harare Indaba to address local mining and investment companies on topics including how the mining sectors could contribute to the regeneration of the Zimbabwean economy, and how Zimbabwe intends to establish itself as a mining investment destination,” said Munsie.
The 2018 Harare Indaba, is also providing investors and fund managers an opportunity to engage in a closed private session face to face with the Zimbabwean delegation during the event. Both mining sectors are set for fresh talks on Monday 26th March at The Country Club, Auckland Park, Johannesburg. www.harareindaba.com to register.
