Zimbabwe targets mining growth through systematic mineral exploration

In his State of the Nation Address, President Emmerson Mnangagwa outlined key economic developments and strategic priorities for Zimbabwe, focusing on mining, agriculture, and currency stability. He reported that the economy grew by 8.3 percent in 2025, driven significantly by a 27.9 percent expansion in the agricultural sector. To combat potential drought risks in the 2026-2027 season, the government has implemented a six-pillar resilience plan involving strategic grain reserves and climate-smart agriculture.

A central pillar of the economic strategy is the revitalization of the mining sector through systematic mineral exploration. The government plans to capacitate the Mining Promotion Corporation (MPC) and the Zimbabwe Geological Survey (ZGS) to develop bankable mineral projects. This initiative is also a priority under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) for the 2026-2030 period.

Industry experts, including geologist Paul Chimbodza, have welcomed the push for exploration, noting its necessity to replenish depleted resources and discover new deposits. The President also highlighted advancements in local mineral processing, specifically mentioning the production of Zimbabwe’s first locally produced lithium sulphate and ongoing expansions in gold, platinum, iron, and steel production.