MINERALS economist and chairperson of the University of Zimbabwe’s Institute of Mining Research, Lyman Mlambo has called on government to upgrade geologists’ skills in order to effectively undertake exploration of the country’s vast mineral resources.
by VENERANDA LANGA
His call comes as the Minerals and Marketing Corporation Bill is before Parliament, where a new organisation to be known as the Minerals Exploration and Marketing Corporation (MEMC) will be consolidated with the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ).
In the past, the government has been accused of entering into contracts, which did not benefit the country, with mining companies. Some international mining exploration companies allegedly benefitted from the country’s mineral resources in the guise of exploration.
“Exploration is very expensive and it depends on the size and nature of the area explored, and the skills side is the most critical aspect of exploration, as it requires comprehensive knowledge of high value minerals, as well as less value minerals and rare earth elements of a high calibre,” Mlambo said.
“There are modern methods of exploration, which advanced countries use, but are never used in Zimbabwe, yet they are critical for the task of exploration. We need to upgrade our skills to that of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the British Geological Society (BGS).”
The mining expert said serious political commitment was needed to upgrade skills, including data management skills and high level equipment.
On whether the cash-strapped government will afford the exploration costs, Mlambo said the funds will come from the marketing side of mining, the MMCZ. He said there was no doubt the new entity — MEMC — will have enough money to fund exploration.
According to MEMC’s authorised share capital, government will own a third of the shares. With exploration, government is also expected to have first-hand information of the country’s mineral resources.
On beneficiation of the country’s minerals, Mlambo said Zimbabwe is still far from achieving that due to skills shortages such as industrial and scientific skills, shortage of lecturers at institutions and use of archaic equipment.
“Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is a good starting point, but it should be sustained. Measures against brain drain must be put in place,” he said.
According to Mlambo, only 65% of the country has been geologically mapped, and little exploration has been done on a record of 6 000 mineral deposits such as gold, chromite, gas and other precious stones.
Source: Newsday
