Miners in Zimbabwe’s southern region are looking to the upcoming Mining Exhibition and Expo (MINEX) 2026 as a critical platform to engage bankers and financiers, amid growing pressure to unlock capital for the small-scale mining sector.
The 10th anniversary edition of the expo, set for April 9, 2026, at Gresham Grounds in Zvishavane, is expected to attract more than 300 small-scale miners from key gold-producing districts, alongside financial institutions, suppliers, regulators and policymakers.
Industry players say limited access to funding remains one of the biggest constraints facing small-scale miners, making platforms such as MINEX essential in bridging the gap between miners and capital providers.
Speaking ahead of the event, Albert, a supervisor at Mega Mines, said the expo presents a rare opportunity for direct engagement with financiers and industry stakeholders.
“MINEX is a great opportunity for miners in this region to meet key stakeholders, suppliers and the sole gold buyer, Fidelity Gold Refinery,” he said. “These engagements are important for improving operations and unlocking growth.”
Stakeholders say the presence of financial institutions is expected to open discussions around equipment financing, working capital and investment partnerships—key elements required to scale production and improve efficiency.
The event is being organised in partnership with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation and the Young Miners Foundation, and will be attended by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura as guest of honour.
Organisers say this year’s edition will focus on formalisation, capitalisation and education—pillars seen as critical to building a more sustainable and competitive small-scale mining sector.
Participants will also have opportunities to showcase their operations, build business linkages and engage directly with regulators and industry players, positioning themselves for growth within Zimbabwe’s evolving mining landscape.
The expo comes as authorities intensify efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining while promoting value addition and broader economic integration.
For many miners in the southern region, access to finance remains the immediate priority—widely viewed as the missing link between potential and productivity in one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic sectors.
