ZIMBABWE sits on some of the world’s most sought-after minerals, from lithium to platinum, making it a key player in the global mining industry and for the global green transition. But how can sustainability and innovation drive its mining sector forward?
The upcoming Sustainability in Mining Expo — organised by the Swedish Embassy and Business Sweden, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency — will have this question as its starting point.
The event, set for March 21 in Harare, will bring together leading business leaders, policymakers and mining industry experts from both Sweden and Zimbabwe. The Swedish participating companies include ABB, Atlas Copco, Epiroc, Ericsson, Fogmaker, Hexagon, Sandvik, Scania and Volvo, as well as Luleå University of Technology and Sweden Metals & Minerals.
The expo will foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in the mining sectors of both countries. As the event approaches, it is a good time to reflect on Sweden’s and Zimbabwe’s mining industries, and what lies ahead.
Zimbabwe is Africa’s largest lithium producer and the sixth largest globally. Additionally, the country is a major producer of gold, platinum, diamond and nickel.
The country can assume an important role in the mining industry, but to get there, certain challenges need to be addressed. These include technological constraints, limited investment, institutional challenges, inadequate frameworks, market volatility and power shortages. Power challenges are particularly concerning since mining accounts for up to 60 percent of the country’s electricity consumption.
Falling mineral prices also impact the sector, with lithium dropping by 80 percent since 2022.
Zimbabwe aims to face its challenges and strengthen domestic mining operations to maximise local benefits. Recent reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and regulatory efficiency have sparked renewed optimism and increased exploration activities.
As the Constitution of Zimbabwe recognises, the use of natural resources is a way of promoting economic and social development. Through sustainable mining, the country can create more jobs, foster technological advancement and contribute to the green transition the world is striving towards. Similarly, the mining industry has played a crucial role in Sweden’s economic development and job market. Swedish prosperity is largely based on its bedrock.
Sweden has 13 active mines, primarily producing base metals such as iron ore. With a long history of mining, Sweden has faced several challenges, one of which is the environmental and social impact. Therefore, Swedish innovation in mining focuses on minimising ecological footprints and maximising social benefits.
Today, the mining industry is, for example, regulated by the Environmental Code, which aims to protect animals, nature, humans and ecosystems.
After many years in the industry, Sweden is now one of the leading developers of underground equipment. Swedish companies Sandvik and Epiroc account for about 60-70 percent of the market share for machinery and equipment in the sector.
Swedish companies have a holistic approach to the industry, which incorporates innovations such as renewable energy integration and efficient waste management.
The level of digitalisation and automation in the Swedish mining industry is among the highest in the world. A key factor in the industry’s advancement is Sweden’s stringent regulatory framework, which is governed by both national and European Union legislation.
The upcoming mining expo intends to create dialogue on the lessons learned, opportunities and challenges facing the Zimbabwean and Swedish mining industries.
It will facilitate knowledge exchange on sustainable and responsible mining, environmental protection, community engagement and new technologies, while promoting networking among companies, the authorities and other stakeholders. The event will also highlight innovative technical solutions to reduce environmental impact and address policy issues from both countries’ perspectives.
The expo seeks to foster lasting partnerships for a sustainable mining future. The Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden remain committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts towards a more sustainable mining sector by leveraging Swedish solutions and expertise. Together through closer collaboration, we can unlock mutual benefits in technology, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Written by Per Lindgärde is the Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily those of The Southern African Times.
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