Zimbabwe enters global critical minerals conversation with new annual indaba

By mining.com.au

Zimbabwe has launched its own mining week, a new annual international conference and exhibition designed to position the nation as a competitive participant in the global critical minerals economy.

Hosted by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development of Zimbabwe, and organised by VUKA Group, Zimbabwe Mining Week will take place from 17-19 November at Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference in Harare.

The platform will bring together government, mining companies, investors, financiers and solution providers focused on unlocking the nation’s mineral wealth.

Minister of Mines and Mining Development of Zimbabwe Polite Kambamura says the launch of the event is a critical step in positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive global mining destination.

“By bringing together decision-makers, investors and operators, this platform supports transparency, policy consistency and sustainable investment, while helping translate our mineral wealth into inclusive growth, job creation and long-term national development,” Kambamura says.

VUKA Group CEO David Ashdown says the company aims to connect Africa to the world’s best to influence sustainable progress, and Zimbabwe Mining Week reflects that ambition in action.

“With the support of the Ministry, our founding partners, and VUKA Group’s portfolio of award-winning conference and media platforms, we are confident in our ability to connect people and organisations to information – and to each other – in ways that drive investment, enable industrialisation and unlock long-term opportunity for Zimbabwe,” Ashdown says.

Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most geologically endowed mining jurisdictions, hosting gold, platinum group metals, lithium, chrome, nickel, coal and industrial minerals. Mining contributes around 13% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

According to Xinhua Net, Zimbabwe’s gold production rose by 17% in 2025, totalling 46.7 tonnes, up from 36.48 tonnes in 2024.