Staff Writer
Minex will launch The Great Dyke Book: Beyond the Rock on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at King Solomon’s Hotel in Kwekwe, during the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke cycling event.
The launch is expected to bring together government officials, mining industry leaders, investors, academics and other stakeholders to celebrate Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth and explore the broader economic and social significance of the Great Dyke.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Engineer Dr Polite Kambamura, has been invited as the Guest of Honour, while Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe president Fungai Makoni will be the guest speaker.
Compiled by Minex chairperson Munyaradzi Hwengwere (pictured),the book brings together perspectives on the geology, mineral resources, history, economics, environmental considerations, tourism potential and investment opportunities associated with the Great Dyke, one of Zimbabwe’s most significant geological features.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Hwengwere said the publication was intended to deepen understanding of the Great Dyke and its contribution to Zimbabwe’s development.
“The Great Dyke is much more than a mineral-rich geological formation. It is an important part of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage and a source of livelihoods, industrial development, investment and opportunities for future generations,” he said.
“Through this book, we seek to tell a more complete story of the Great Dyke — one that goes beyond extraction to examine its economic significance, its people, its environment and its potential to contribute to national development.”
Hwengwere said the publication would also serve as an educational and reference resource for students, researchers, professionals and institutions seeking to understand Zimbabwe’s mineral endowment and the broader role of mining in the economy.
He urged schools, universities and colleges to purchase copies of the book for their libraries and learning programmes, emphasising the importance of locally relevant educational materials in helping young people understand the country’s natural resources and development opportunities.
“We would like to see The Great Dyke Book: Beyond the Rock in school libraries, university departments, college resource centres and other learning institutions across Zimbabwe.
“Our young people need access to knowledge about their country’s geology, mineral wealth, industrial development and environmental responsibilities. This publication offers an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the realities and possibilities of Zimbabwe’s mining economy,” he said.
The publication also highlights the importance of ensuring that the benefits of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources extend beyond mining operations to communities, businesses and future generations.
By examining the Great Dyke from multiple perspectives, the book seeks to encourage informed discussions on responsible resource development, sustainable investment and the region’s long-term value.
In keeping with the charitable focus of the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke, proceeds from book sales will support the Gifted Children Foundation, which assists talented but underprivileged children in pursuing their education and potential.
The foundation has so far assisted 157 learners to progress through various stages of education, from primary to tertiary level.
The launch is expected to provide a platform for dialogue on the strategic importance of the Great Dyke, mining’s contribution to economic development and the need to preserve and document Zimbabwe’s natural and industrial heritage.
The book will be available for purchase at US$20 per copy, with stakeholders and institutions encouraged to support the initiative through individual and bulk purchases.