Zimbabwe’s mining sector is operating on geological data last updated in 1977, limiting growth and discouraging investment, according to Forbes Mugumbate, Director of the Geological Survey in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. Experts in the mining industry have echoed these concerns, warning that the outdated information is holding back exploration and development.
Mugumbate said modern geological surveys are crucial to identifying untapped mineral resources and attracting new investors.
Without updated data, the country risks missing out on opportunities to expand operations and discover new deposits of valuable minerals.
“There’s an urgent need to modernize the data to reflect the country’s true mineral potential,” said one expert, emphasizing that other resource-rich countries regularly update their geological maps to stay competitive.
The outdated data remains a significant bottleneck for the industry, which plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s economy. Experts recommend government action to fund comprehensive surveys and leverage technology to unlock future growth.
