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Mines minister Chitando charms Mnangagwa

By Thomas Chidamba

Harare- Mines and Mining Development minister’s, Winston Chitando, top-notch performance in the mining industry has continued to charm the principals and has become a darling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

This comes after President Mnangagwa said he was pleased with the performance and growth of the mining industry.

In 2020, the mines ministry set for itself a U.S. $12 billion revenue target by 2023. At that time, the target seemed to be a Herculean task to achieve; however, figures show that it is now within reach.

Initially, analysts and economic commentators dismissed the target as a pie in the sky, but Minister Chitando believed that it would be achieved.

True to his word, the target is now within reach.

Against all odds, Minister Chitando has turned the fortunes of the mining sector to the applause of President Mnangagwa.

“When Minister Chitando proposed the vision 2023, (of attaining U.S. $12 billion revenue economy), I laughed in my stomach and said, ‘2023 is not far’.

“I’m pleased that he has grown the sector from U.S. $2 billion to U.S. $6 billion, and it will be around U.S.$8 billion by year end. (If I am to have a cabinet reshuffle now, I won’t fire him.)

“I want to commend the mining sector for notable milestones. This is highly commendable”, said President Mnangagwa.

He urged the mining sector to embrace technology and value addition.

“I urge mining houses to scale-up the implementation of robust strategies for growth. Take advantage of the rebounding commodity prices. Use new technologies for value addition and beneficiation. Gone are the days of exporting raw minerals.

“I want to express gratitude to mining houses that have invested in value addition practices. I encourage every mining house to do so”, President Mnangagwa said.

He urged mines to give back to communities they operate from.

“Mining houses should create real benefits in the communities. As you make money, make your communities happy (as well). The roads from and to the mines are poor and the claim is out on us, but we have done our part by giving you licenses to operate.

“It is critically important that our minerals resources are extracted to the maximum benefits for the communities”, President Mnangagwa said.

First published in Zimmining

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