Business Reporter
The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe has proposed the establishment a think tank to advise Government on policy with a view to spur growth and investment in mining. The think tank would look into issues of policy and investment, going beyond the current focus of establishing mineral beneficiation facilities in Zimbabwe. Platinum Producers Association of Zimbabwe chairman Mr Herbert Mashanyare confirmed the proposal.
“It is an advisory board which would advise Government on issues of policy. It will be relevant for encouraging investment into mining (and the economy). This will help Government improve the investment climate,” he said.
Mr Mashanyare said the think tank would allow for high level interactions and engagements between Government, private sector and other relevant stakeholders.
The proposal comes in the wake of engagements between Government and the mining industry regarding the set up of a precious metals refinery to ensure that the country derives full value from its resources.
While all parties have agreed on the need to beneficiate and value-add the country’s minerals, it has been contentious on how this could be done and whether the timing was right for certain minerals.
As such, Mr Mashanyare said the issue of a precious metals refinery would be one of many issues the think tank would look at in wider efforts to encourage growth in mining and linkages with other sectors.
For instance, he said there was need to look at how the country could attract investment to revive closed mines and expand value addition in minerals such as chrome.
The beneficiation and value addition conference in Victoria Falls two months back brought industry and Government to some understanding that while everyone was agreed on the ultimate vision there was need to look closely at how the vision could be attained.