The Mozambique Mining Chamber (CMM) stated on Thursday (7) that the main constraints on the growth of the national extractive industry remain linked to insufficient logistics infrastructure, energy costs, and the country’s limited capacity for industrial integration.
The position was presented by Greert Klok, a member of the CMM, during the Mozambique Mining and Energy Conference (MMEC) 2026, where he emphasized that the sector’s development depends less on “potential” and more on the ability to transform natural resources into sustainable economic performance.
“Potential, on its own, does not generate gains. Performance is the key to everything,” he stated, adding that Mozambique has “genuine” opportunities in mining but remains “largely overlooked” by international investors due to high operating costs and structural barriers.
According to Klok, the first challenge involves detailed geological knowledge of existing mineral resources. He considered it insufficient to simply refer to the abundance of resources without consistent prospecting, mapping, and mining development efforts. “Mining expertise and investment in development are essential for us to know exactly what exists, where it is, and how it can be exploited,” he explained.
Another aspect identified as critical relates to the availability and affordability of energy. Despite the country’s high energy generation potential, Klok questioned the industry’s actual ability to access electricity and the costs associated with its supply. “There can be no industry without affordable energy,” he stated, advocating for an integrated approach that combines energy production, logistics, and industrial development.
The efficiency of logistics corridors was also identified as one of the key decision-making factors for investors. The CMM member noted that delays at ports, prolonged customs clearance times, and difficulties with domestic transport significantly increase the costs of mining projects.
To illustrate the challenges, he explained that equipment intended for large-scale mining operations can remain in ports for several months before proceeding to mining sites, reducing the competitiveness of investments.
Klok also advocated for greater participation by local entrepreneurs in the mining value chain, considering it essential that the sector function as a platform for regional industrial development. “Local investment needs to be part of the mining economic system at different scales,” he argued.
He also emphasized the need for the country to gradually move toward higher levels of mineral processing and industrialization, thereby reducing exports of raw materials. As an example, he cited the Moatize coal mine, which began operations with primary exports but later evolved into operations with greater processing and mineral recovery capacity.
In his remarks, Klok also advocated for an integrated approach linking mining, agriculture, energy, and the chemical industry, pointing to opportunities for local production of fertilizers and other industrial derivatives associated with the country’s mineral resources.
MMEC 2026 took place from Wednesday, the 6th, through Thursday, the 7th, at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Center in Maputo, bringing together government representatives, investors, oil companies, mining firms, and national and international experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the energy, mining, and industrialization sectors.
Source: Diário Económico
