By Simba Muparaganda
Bulawayo (New Ziana) -Preparations for the 28th edition of the Mining, Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra) are at an advanced stage, with exhibitors putting final touches to their stands ahead of the opening on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES).
The premier mining exhibition will run from July 29-31 under the theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation Through Mining Value Chains.”
It marks a definitive transition from historic resource extraction to self-sustaining industrial sovereignty.
The edition this year aligns the entire value chain toward collective, sustainable growth to unlock the full potential of the industry, ensuring a broad-based economic transformation that strengthens the global position of Zimbabwea.
A New Ziana crew which toured the exhibition halls on Tuesday witnessed a hive of activity as workers assembled exhibition booths, installed heavy mining equipment, mounted corporate branding and arranged product displays in preparation for the premier mining, engineering and transport exhibition.
Forklifts and cranes moved machinery into position while technicians raced against the clock to complete electrical installations, lighting and digital displays.
Company representatives were also seen unpacking equipment as they prepared to showcase the latest technologies and innovations for the mining sector.
Outside, trucks continued to deliver exhibition material while landscaping teams were working to ensure the venue presented a welcoming environment for visitors.
Several exhibitors who spoke to the news crew expressed confidence that they were ready for the opening, describing the exhibition as an important platform for networking, investment promotion and showcasing new products and services.
Mining equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, safety equipment suppliers, transport and logistics companies, financial institutions and technology providers were among those busy setting up their displays.
Exhibitors said they were looking forward to engaging potential clients and demonstrating modern technologies designed to improve productivity, efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability in mining operations.
The event is also expected to attract industry leaders, investors and policymakers who will discuss opportunities and challenges facing the country’s mining sector, one of the country’s key foreign currency earners.
A Chinese investor, Xing Lu, said Mine Entra provides an important platform for networking with industry players while showcasing mining operations to potential clients and the public.
“We are happy to be here because this platform enables us to network with other stakeholders in the sector. The public will have an opportunity to interact with us and learn how we are mining,” he said.
Clive Khumalo, a small-scale miner from Inyathi in Matabeleland North, said he was pleased that artisanal miners had been given an opportunity to exhibit at such a prestigious event.
“We are happy that the government is regularising our operations, enabling us to interact with major players in the industry on platforms like this.
“Through these engagements, we are learning from established companies while also attracting potential investors to our mining ventures,” he said.
Ruth Musekiwa, who works for a mining equipment supplier, said her company expects strong business prospects from the exhibition, citing sustained growth in the mining sector.
The hospitality sector, transport operators and other businesses in the city are also expected to benefit from increased business activity during the exhibition.
Mine Entra has over the years established itself as one of the leading specialised mining exhibitions in Zimbabwe, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, business-to-business engagements and the promotion of investment opportunities in the mining value chain.
New Ziana
