Published: 23 August 2013

THE mining sector is poised to lead the country's economic growth over the next few years as the industry holds huge potential for development, President Mugabe said.

In his inauguration speech at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, President Mugabe said the sector would be the "centerpiece" of economic recovery and growth.

"It should generate growth spurts across sectors, reignite that economic miracle which must now happen," President Mugabe said.

He added the sector had shown huge potential, "but we are far from seeing its optimum."

"We have barely scratched our worth, even in the sense of merely bringing above ground what we already know to be embedded in our rich soils. We need to intensify the exploitation of existing deposits," he said.

President Mugabe said more mineral deposits remained unknown and unexplored.

There was need to explore new deposits, developing new greenfield projects in the mining sector, he said.

"Above all, we need to move purposefully towards beneficiation of our raw minerals. The scope is great and I call upon you all to summon your full will, to give your utmost. That is what will empower us, develop us, and indeed create employment for our people."
- herald

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