It has been claimed that the Zimbabwean mining industry is being held back by a skewed exchange rate policy.

Zimbabwe's Chamber of Mines president, Jack Murehwa, has warned that the country's mining industry is "literally ready to take off", but is being hampered at present by the exchange rate policy and the fact the government has failed to complete changes to the mining laws.

Speaking to Reuters, Mr Murehwa explained: "The major fundamental revolves around the investor wishing to know the rules of the game, should he decide to invest in Zimbabwe. The completion of the Mines and Minerals Act is therefore crucial in this regard."

Robert Mugabe's government predicts that mining in Zimbabwe, which includes large-scale production of platinum and platinum group metals, will increase by 4.9 per cent next year, but those in the industry believe such an increase is unlikely due to continued power supply problems and a shortage of skilled workers.

Mining is now the top foreign currency earner in Zimbabwe and one of the country's major employers, but although companies such as Anglo Platinum are looking to invest in the country, there is a fear that they are currently being put off by Zimbabwe's economic and political issues.

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