Zimbabwe has several verified mineral-rich deposits of some of the most important elements essential in modern-day industrial production. Yet, these deposits have not been properly surveyed and exploited.
In the 1890s, colonial geologists for the British South Africa Company surveyed a good proportion of Zimbabwe’s territory as it was then called. They used some of the very latest discoveries of the time in geology to identify rocks and minerals more accurately than had been possible before. They were especially interested in discovering sources – especially deposits - of gold and uranium that could help this new company develop its own industries outside southern Africa if necessary.
What needs to be done now is to take advantage of the initial research done by the Rhodesian Geological Survey Office and adapt it to our own situation. In particular, there ought to be more collaboration between our geologists and miners. The minerals will be there if we take advantage of our colonial heritage.
The Zimbabwe Minerals Sourcing Strategy notes that “The majority of diamonds in Zimbabwe are exported as gemstone cutting stones for use in jewelry.” Given the fact that there are mineral deposits in the country, it is logical to focus on these kinds of minerals as sources of income.
Cecil John Rhodes had good business acumen and he knew what a motherlode looks like, which is why he chose Zimbabwe despite its lack of access to a port. Modern-day policymakers should be focusing on collaborating more with those with the technology to exploit the identified resources.
From 2013, the Chinese were seen to be heavily involved in the minerals sector in Zimbabwe. Their involvement was done through the provision of infrastructural support such as roads and railway lines in return for mineral excavation. Cheap mining infrastructure can now be accessed by small-scale mining companies as well.
It is also recommended that local entrepreneurs make use of geology reports before choosing business sites for their industry among other profitable ventures such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism among others. The reports are useful for monitoring potential mines that are near business sites.
The Zimbabwean Government must take advantage of those who have the capacity to map out areas of underground resources by collaborating with relevant institutions including universities and NGOs so as to boost local economies.
Relying on Geological reports when doing business is a rule of thumb for success because the local entrepreneur will be sure of the mineral wealth on his working site before he makes any substantial investment in the business. It is thus an important factor in making a viable business plan.
The government should come up with a way to map areas that have minerals and make this information available in one place for easy access for both local and international investors; it should also make the information available to property developers who are interested in building their industries in particular places which have rich underground resources.
Centers for mining resources throughout Zimbabwe need to be set up so as to boost the production of raw materials by making use of these minerals. Such centers can be established together with centers for manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism among other lucrative ventures.
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