SADC's mining sector has the potential to boost the region's economy if fully harnessed.

The Operationalization Plan for the SADC Heads of State and Government Declaration on TB in the mining sector suggests that the sector accounts for over 60% of the region's foreign exchange earnings and at least 10% of the region's GDP.

The mining sector has long played a significant role in the economic development of the SADC region.

The industry employs more than 500,000 workers, who are mostly from the region's rural areas.