Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) 2026 has officially opened in Bulawayo, with calls for responsible, transparent and inclusive mining practices as the country marks 15 years of dialogue on resource governance.
In a keynote address read on her behalf, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Hon Judith Ncube, said mining remained a critical pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy, but warned that its economic contribution must be balanced against the challenges confronting communities living in mining areas.
“Mining remains the absolute backbone of our economy, contributing 14.5 percent to the nation’s GDP and driving 75 percent of national exports,” Minister Ncube said.
However, she raised concern over the negative impacts associated with unregulated mining, including environmental degradation caused by toxic substances such as mercury and cyanide, community displacement, child labour and mineral smuggling.
“These challenges severely threaten the livelihoods of our communities and require stronger regulation, accountability and coordinated action,” Ncube said.
She pointed to legislative and policy interventions, including the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Government’s Responsible Mining Initiative, as measures aimed at strengthening governance and promoting sustainable mining practices.
Ncube also called for a shift away from exporting raw minerals towards increased domestic beneficiation.
“We must move away from simply digging and shipping raw ore,” she said, emphasising that local processing would help Zimbabwe retain critical skills, jobs and greater mineral wealth within its borders.
The Minister further stressed the need to ensure that women and young people are fully included in the mining economy as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 development agenda.
“Breaking down financial and licensing barriers that hinder women and youth from participating in the sector is essential if national progress is to be truly inclusive,” Ncube said.
She commended the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) and Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) for sustaining the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba over the past 15 years.
Ncube said the platform had created an important space for transparent and honest dialogue on natural resource governance and the experiences of mining-affected communities.
“When executed with accountability and fairness, the mining sector can serve as one of the fastest paths towards sustainable national prosperity,” she said.
The 2026 ZAMI gathering continues the platform’s longstanding focus on resource governance, community participation and accountability in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
The Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) 2026 started on Monday, 14 September 2026, and is running until Friday, 18 September 2026 in Bulawayo.