Ministry Calls Attention to Mineral Export Losses
Written by Staff Reporter on October 18, 2024
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Mr. Pungwa Kunaka, has raised alarm over significant mineral losses occurring during exports, with Zimbabwe reportedly losing valuable resources, especially to neighboring South Africa.
He stressed that inadequate monitoring systems at mines and border posts are contributing to these leakages, undermining the country’s ability to fully capitalize on its mineral wealth.
Speaking after submitting the proposed budget for the ministry to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, Kunaka emphasized the need for skilled personnel to monitor both mines and border crossings to account for the minerals leaving Zimbabwe.
The ministry is requesting ZWL 3.2 billion to ensure better protection and monitoring of mineral exports. Kunaka highlighted that the mining sector generates over USD 12 billion annually, but this figure does not include the value of minerals lost through leakages.