by Chiedza Tembo

President Emmerson Mnangagwa today commended the mining industry as one of the key sectors in Zimbabwe’s economy, saying it contributed significantly to the country’s GDP.

Addressing delegates at the Karo Resources Mhonodoro- Ngezi mining site, where he was officiating at the ground breaking ceremony, President Mnangagwa said the mining project would transform Zimbabwe’s economy.

“Mining is the biggest foreign currency earner in the country. It is the main contributor to the GDP,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also said the country would realise value as processing of the platinum would be done locally.

“Processing of platinum is going to be done here and this is good for Zimbabwe. This is in line with Government position of adding value to the country’s resources,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also said locals were supposed to benefit from the Project as they were the owners of the natural resources bestowed on them.

“Resources belong to the people of Zimbabwe. No mortals should stand in the way of beneficiation of the resources to benefit its rightful owners. Projects of this nature should also benefit local communities. Going forward, we exhort investors to be sensitive and to be wary of environmental concerns as they carry out their activities,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Mr Winston Chitando said by 2023, Zimbabwe would be producing 14,4 million ounces of platinum.

 The platinum project is worth $4,2 billion, with 15 000 direct and 75 000 indirect jobs expected to be created.