President Mnangagwa yesterday said investments into the mining sector and mining value chain industries are welcome and safe, adding that Government remains ready to support the implementation of sustainable growth strategies in the critical industry for the attainment of Vision 2030.

He said this while officially opening the Zimbabwe Annual Mining Conference organised by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe.

“Investments into the mining sector and mining value chain industries are welcome and safe in Zimbabwe,” said the President.

“We continue to prioritise the processing and issuance of exploration licences in order to revamp mineral exploration across the country.

“The facilitation for the opening of new and closed mines, capacity utilisation as well as projects expansions and local beneficiation are ongoing, with increased momentum.”

The President’s remarks come at a time when investors are falling over each other to inject resources into the sector, with Anjin Investments and Alrosa set to start mining diamonds in Marange soon.

Another diamond miner will be licensed in the next few months, while a new platinum miner is set to join Unki Mines, Zimplats and Mimosa.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has benchmarked the mining sector to become a US$12 billion industry by 2023.

President Mnangagwa said the mining sector is a “vital cog” in the country’s drive towards socio-economic prosperity and the attainment of Vision 2030.State media