*Zim secures US$18m mining deals at regional expo* https://thevoiceonlinenews.com/8ozl ___________________________________ `June 15, 2025` ___________________________________ > *Follow The Voice Online News WhatsApp channel:* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaPRQqTHrDZdGRK5yH43 ___________________________________ > *Share The Voice Online News WhatsApp group link:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/DjU5F7Goh3M6M4XSkg81Gx ___________________________________ > *To advertise with The Voice Online News, talk to us here:* https://wa.me/message/PLR6ANGW2RX4I1 ___________________________________ ZIMBABWEAN companies last week clinched export deals valued at more than US$18 million at the DRC Mining Week held in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a major boost for the country’s push to diversify its export portfolio and expand its footprint in regional markets. The deals, sealed on the sidelines of the three-day mining and industrial expo, signal growing demand for local products and services, particularly in the mining and agricultural value chains. Speaking at the close of the event, ZimTrade export promotion officer Mr Renwick Wachenyuka said the multi-million-dollar agreements involved supplies to some of the DRC’s largest mining companies, including Gecamines, Kamoa Copper and MMG, all based in Kolwezi. “In terms of what has been concluded so far, the figures are likely to go up, but we have already achieved US$18 million worth of deals, which comprises supplies to big mines such as Gecamines, Kamoa Copper and MMC, which are based in Kolwezi,” said Mr Wachenyuka. “Just to give perspective on the size of the market, Kamoa Copper operates bore mills that process up to 1 500 tonnes of material per month. “If you look at the other mines, they are processing about 500 to 600 tonnes per month. “That means there is consistent and substantial demand for milling equipment.” Seven Zimbabwean companies — Charter Seeds, Megabreeze, Zambezi Gas and Coal Mines, GB Holdings, James P Dixon, Powerdrive Engineering and Boltgas International — exhibited at the regional expo. The firms showcased a range of products and services, from mining consumables and engineering components to agricultural inputs, targeting DRC’s booming resource extraction sector. Mr Wachenyuka said the success at this year’s edition highlighted both the quality and competitiveness of Zimbabwean goods. He underscored the need for local firms to improve on production capacity, delivery timelines and establishment of local distribution channels in the DRC. “So, in terms of what is going to be achieved, it will depend very much on our capacity as a country to produce the quality that is required, and also the delivery times that are required by them, because these products are required urgently in this market,” he added. “We are most likely going to engage other potential suppliers from Zimbabwe, because obviously the seven companies that we have got here cannot satisfy the market demand. “So, we will be engaging other companies as well, which manufacture these products, to take up the offer.” He added that firms must consider setting up distribution points in the DRC to ensure consistent supply, efficient after-sales support and stock availability, which are critical for maintaining long-term relationships with clients in the region. “One thing that I must mention is that it is very important that these companies establish distributorships in this market to ensure that there is consistent supply, good after-sales service and also for logistical purposes, to have sort of a way out where they can then keep consignment stock to reduce the time period in the market,” he said. The DRC Mining Week is a premier platform for stakeholders in the mining, energy, construction and agriculture sectors. “It brings together government officials; major mining firms; industrial suppliers; financial institutions; and regional and international investors, offering a critical opportunity for networking, deal-making and partnership development. – _*ZimPapers*_