Staff Reporter

Economic Analysts have welcomed the ban of exports of unbeneficiated base mineral ores which was put in place by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development last week.

Responding to the ban economist Dr Ratidzai Kaparadza praised the stance as a positive move which will ensure that Zimbabwe is not just a place where the lithium mineral is from but rather an economy where value is added.

The ban on lithium ore exports will also allow that approximately six distinct stages which start with mining, refining, cathode production, cell production, module assembly and eventually.

“Ban of lithium ore exports will ensure the country achieves a total value chain of six distinct parts where by you start with mining then you go to refining of the resources, cathode production, cell production, module assembly and eventually making your own OEM cars.

“Zimbabwe should have this done domestically because each stage has support industries and it will create jobs for our local people. This game plan is a new mind set by Zimbabwe Government, and it shows that the country is not only modernising but wants to be part of the development,” said Dr Kaparadza.

An official at the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare also expressed optimism as she said the ban on ore exports is also a clever way of job creation by Government. She said the Second Republic has done well on its promise about job creation.

“This is perhaps one of the cleverest decisions ever made by Zimbabwe. This decision will ensure that Government creates jobs for Zimbabweans and the region,” said the official.

Zimbabwe is battling the illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and allies. Through the leadership skills of President Emmerson Mnangagwa the impact of the sanctions has been lessened. The Second Republic has set ambitious goals for the country and apart from a GDP of 3.80 percent Zimbabwe has also achieved a record wheat harvest since 1966.