Sharleen Mohammed

Zimbabwe’s mining sector remains central to supporting agriculture, infrastructure development and broader economic growth through its contribution to national revenues, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Mr Pfungwa Kunaka, has said.

Mr Kunaka made the remarks while giving oral evidence on issues raised by the Mines and Mining Development Parliamentary Committee.

Speaking during a parliamentary session on budget performance, he said the mining sector continues to play a strategic role in generating income that flows into other parts of the economy.

“Mining is a strategic sector. When revenue is generated, it does not remain within the sector but flows into other parts of the economy,” he said.

Mr Kunaka noted that mining revenues support government programmes across different sectors, including agriculture, through the allocation of resources by Treasury and line ministries.

“When money is circulating, it is channeled to other ministries, including agriculture,” he said.

He said government is also prioritizing value addition, beneficiation and manufacturing as part of efforts to ensure the country earns more from its mineral resources instead of exporting raw materials.

“We are emphasizing manufacturing, value addition and beneficiation,” he said.

The permanent secretary added that strengthening linkages between mining and manufacturing can contribute to job creation, increased domestic production and overall economic stability.

He also urged mining companies to ensure that production is matched with responsible environmental management.

“We urge miners to operate responsibly while preserving the environment,” he said.

Beyond economic output, Kunaka said mining should also contribute to surrounding communities through improved infrastructure and expanded local economic opportunities.

He said this includes the development of roads, energy infrastructure, and other services that support livelihoods in mining areas.

Analysts say stronger integration between mining, agriculture and industry can further support rural development by improving access to infrastructure, irrigation systems, energy supply and local enterprise growth.

Zimbabwe’s mining sector remains one of the country’s leading sources of foreign currency earnings and continues to play a key role in supporting national development priorities