Assessment of Factors Affecting Competitive Mineral Beneficiation in Zimbabwe: Challenges and Prospects.

The article assesses the factors affecting competitive mineral beneficiation in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, identifying key challenges and prospects for enhancing industry competitiveness. Using Michael Porter’s Diamond Model of industry competitiveness, the study finds that Zimbabwe’s mining sector currently lacks competitiveness and that the model, developed primarily for developed countries, is only partially applicable in the Zimbabwean context. Major challenges include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and insufficient technological capabilities, while facilitating factors encompass government policies and support, abundant mineral resources, a skilled workforce, and potential for technology transfer. The study recommends strategic interventions such as developing comprehensive beneficiation policies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, improving access to finance, promoting technology transfer, and developing local skills to transform Zimbabwe’s comparative mineral advantage into a sustainable competitive advantage.