Digging Deep Dialogue 01: Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe

Digging Deep (DD) had the great opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CMZ) as part of our 2024 key objective to spotlight Chambers of Mines in Africa. As the continent goes through a mining boom, Chambers of Mines will play a defining role in fostering sustainable collaborations, effective mining communications and building communities across the length and breadth of Africa.

DD: Can you tell us more about the history and mandate of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe?

CMZ: The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe was established in 1939 for the purpose of promoting, encouraging, protecting and fostering the mining industry and doing everything necessary and advisable for those objectives.

Its history goes back to the early 1900s when the mineral producers then agreed of establishing a body that represents their collective position in the interface and engagements with stakeholders. Over the years the Chamber has evolved to become a prime advocacy and lobby organization in Zimbabwe, focused on matters related to mining. All the major mineral producers are members. It is safe to say that our members produce over 90% of minerals in the country.?

DD: Zimbabwe is a mineral rich country. How is the Chamber of Mines harnessing relationships and partnerships to drive participation of different stakeholders in the value chain?

CMZ: Our members are drawn from the entire mining value chain that includes producers, suppliers and service providers. As a result, we are able to draw information and expertise in the advocacy and lobbying of products from our members through the various platforms and committee structures of the industry. We encourage the involvement of stakeholders in all our activities particularly those that are aimed at building consensus on matters affecting the industry. As a result, we have come to be known as the Voice of the Mining Industry. We work with Government, Civil Society Organizations, Parliament, suppliers of goods and services, investors and? labour.

DD: 'Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo' which translates to 'A country is built by its own people' How is the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe supporting local participation in the different key areas of the mining sector?

CMZ: The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe lobbies for government policy by providing equal access and opportunities for considered participants that promote the development and growth of the mining sector. In doing so the Chamber ensures the mining sector maximizes its contribution to the socio-economic development of our economy.

DD: ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’ How can mining investors work with the Chamber to drive mining investment in Zimbabwe?

CMZ: We work closely with investors as the first port of call and for those wishing to invest in the country speak to us directly. We provide the platform for our members to give their perspectives to new investors. We provide information on how to navigate the process of investing in Zimbabwe. We therefore encourage investors to come to the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe. We have an open door policy.

DD: The Vision of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe is to be the leading advocacy organization in the economy. How are you aligning your 2024 endeavours to your vision and what can we expect in the future from the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe?

CMZ: We wish to grow the Zimbabwean mining industry and strengthen the position of our members and stakeholders. We understand that the Zimbabwean mining industry is facing significant headwind from both international and local developments. This is where the Chamber is called to action. Through active involvement of our members, we believe that this year will see deeper and broader engagements on key topics (electricity supply, foreign currency matters, fiscal matters, labour matters, and sustainability issues among others).

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