ZIDA’s mining claims matchmaking strategy, a game changer for claims holders

THE local mining sector is poised to realise its full potential and growth after the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) commissioned the Mining Claims Matchmaking Campaign on Thursday last week.

The mining claims matchmaking platform gives ZIDA an opportunity to market local mineral claims to potential local and international investors.

Mining Claims Matchmaking platform, which went online on Friday, allows claim holders to register and specify the type of assistance they require from the investor such as technical assistance, tributary partnership, joint venture partnership, debt funding, or a buyer for the mining claim.

It is a one – stop shop that allows investors to partner with claim holders for possible extraction of the diverse minerals found in Zimbabwe.

According to ZIDA, the platform is open to all mining claim holders in Zimbabwe, regardless of whether they are individuals, companies or syndicates.

It is a web-based platform that allows users to search for available claims, view detailed information about each claim and submit bids.

To register on the platform, claim holders need to scan and upload their identification documents, claim registration certificate, valid inspection certificate and site map, and make a payment of US$500.

On the other hand, investors need to register and submit relevant information, comprising their contact details, investment objectives and the type of mining claim they are interested in after paying pay a registration fee of US$1,000.

Once an investor’s registration has been approved, they will be able to view registered mining claims and express their interest.

The investor will then be given further details to be able to contact and negotiate with the owners of the chosen claim/s on a one-on-one basis.

ZIDA says this initiative opens the mining space to all willing investors as the process will democratise opportunities for participation in mining for all stakeholders’ platform irrespective of their level and locality.

This comes at a time when a lot of mining claims are being held given the owners incapacity to realise their full potential.

Mining Claims Matchmaking platform will therefore link potential investors to the claim holder so as to sweat on the potential resources that those claims represent.

Speaking at ZIDA’s Mining Claims Matchmaking Campaign launch on Thursday, Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Willard Manungo, said the initiative aligns with the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS) and will go a long way in easing the process of negotiation and finalisation of mining deals.

He said ZIDA has been a key enabler in the Government’s efforts to promote investment and development of the mining sector and this platform is a testament to their commitment to success.

“ZIDA has been promoting value addition of various mineral resources that Zimbabwe has and this is a testament to an NDS 1 that is awaiting investment and ready to realise opportunities to exploit the natural resource endowment that this country has.

“The President has been pushing for a US$12 billion mining industry and consistent with his mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, he would want all economic agents interested in exploiting opportunities in mining to come to the table. The platform being launched today is consistent with that call and it is part of the government’s quest and aspiration for the envisioned US$12 billion mining industry.

“I believe that the platform will be a valuable tool for promoting investment in the mining sector. It will make it easier for investors to find and acquire the claims they need, and it will help to create a more efficient and transparent mining industry,” said Manungo.

ZIDA chief executive officer, Tafadzwa Chinamo, pledged the agency’s commitment to continue developing and implementing more effective investment promotion strategies for Zimbabwe, indicating that ZIDA was inundated by inquiries about mining opportunities.

He said this campaign was supported by live customer relationship management (CRM), a software used for managing all the agency’s relationships and interactions with investors and potential investors.

The system has contributed immensely to the reduction of ZIDA’s license processing cycle from twenty-one days to seven days.

“I stand before you as a Marketing Officer for our nation where my task is to create a conducive environment for domestic and foreign investors in Zimbabwe.

“The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency’s mandate is to realise the significance and full potential of all sectors including the mining sector and align it with the mainstream economy. This is evidenced by our results at the Agency as we develop and deliver services that make the Zimbabwean brand an embodiment of excellence and a long-term partner for investors,” said Chinamo.

Mines and Mining Development Ministry Permanent Secretary, Pfungwa Kunaka, said ZIDA’s invention is a testament to the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity and would help in enhancing the country’s economic transformation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.

Adding that the Mining Claims Campaign was designed to help streamline the process of mining claims holders, find investors and foster partnerships between investors and local communities.

“We are acutely aware that the benefits of mining should not be limited to a select few. It is our vision to create an inclusive Mining Industry that uplifts communities, empowers small-scale miners and promotes sustainable development.

“Together, we can unlock the full potential of our mining industry and create a brighter future for all Zimbabweans,” said Kunaka.

The mining sector is anticipated to grow significantly by year-end, and the small-scale miners are expected to play an important role towards the US$12 billion mining milestone by 2023.

The sector is projected to play a pivotal role in the envisioned Upper Middle -Income Economy by 2030 as enshrined in the National Development Strategy1 (NDS1).-businessweekly