The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has announced a major new deal with Chinese mining giant, JNMC.

Priscah Mupfumira, Chairperson of the MMCZ, has revealed to the Herald Business that the organisation has signed a major deal with JNMC that will see Zimbabwe's minerals, including platinum, promoted in the Far East by JNMC.

"We are looking at real market growth and enhancing exports," commented Ms Mupfumira.

MMCZ has agreed a joint venture with JNMC that will see a company established in China in an effort to promote Zimbabwe's mining operations to an increasingly demanding Chinese market.

Demand for platinum jewellery has soared in recent years and as China continues to expand its economy, so there has been an increase in the number of vehicles being sold across the country.

Ms Mupfumira added: "China is a growing market. The intention is to fully exploit this potential to our benefit, and instead of having agents marketing our minerals in this market, we feel we can do it directly."

Zimbabwe has been working hard to court the Chinese market to help boost sales of precious metals such as platinum and last year President Robert Mugabe visited China in an effort to drum up business for his country's mining sector.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd