Zimbabwe is seeking investment, green mining technology and greater local processing of its mineral resources as Mines and Mining Development Minister Engineer Polite Kambamura leads the country’s delegation to the 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin.

The conference, held under the theme “Win-Win Cooperation, Green and Intelligent Development,” has brought together more than 40,000 delegates from 60 countries, including 33 African mining ministers. For Zimbabwe, the gathering offers an opportunity to attract investment while advancing its push to process more minerals locally.

China highlights Zimbabwe mining projects

The conference opened alongside the Ministerial Forum on International Mining Cooperation, which focused on building stronger mining and supply-chain partnerships.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted China’s mining cooperation with Africa, saying partnerships should be based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit.

He pointed to Zimbabwe’s Bikita Minerals and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe as examples of cooperation between Chinese and African interests.

Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, which operates the Arcadia Mine in Goromonzi, exported Zimbabwe’s first locally produced lithium sulfate in April. Bikita Minerals in Masvingo, the country’s oldest and largest lithium mine, is also developing a lithium sulfate plant.

The projects reflect Zimbabwe’s effort to move beyond exporting raw lithium concentrate and produce higher-value battery materials within the country.

He said international mining cooperation can help countries combine their natural resources, strengthen economic development and protect global industrial and supply chains.

Zimbabwe pushes greener mining

Kambamura said sustainability and smart mining were central to discussions at the conference, with African countries looking at ways to introduce cleaner technologies across the mining process.

“This year’s conference is well attended, with over 40,000 delegates and 60 countries represented from across Africa,” he said. “Issues to do with sustainable development in Africa were discussed, as well as intelligent technical equipment for mineral exploration, beneficiation and so forth, which is so crucial for us in Zimbabwe.”

He said Zimbabwe wants greener technology to be used from exploration through production, including environmental monitoring.

“We need to go green in terms of exploration, using green technology; in mining development, again using green technology; and in production all around the mining value chain, we need to go green,” Kambamura said.

Zimbabwe is also considering drone technology to monitor mining operations and environmental conditions in real time.

“China is committed to assisting African countries in that regard, which is very welcome for the sustainable development of developing countries such as Zimbabwe,” he said.

Zimbabwe mining delegation joins China event

The Zimbabwe delegation includes Zimbabwe Miners Federation President Henrietta Rushwaya, who represents the country’s small-scale and artisanal mining sector.

The exhibition covers 65,000 square meters and features 658 companies from 25 countries and regions. Displays include smart mining systems, geological survey equipment, mining machinery and new-energy technologies, while a dedicated mineral rights trading section has also been introduced.

Since its launch in 1999, China Mining has grown into a major international mining event covering exploration, mining, technology, equipment, investment, finance, trade and services.

For Zimbabwe, the conference provides a platform to deepen Zimbabwe mining partnerships, attract capital and technology, and advance the country’s ambition to process more of its minerals locally.