adminMichael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
At least 20 companies are waiting to start production within the Zim Coke coking ovens once the company starts production early next year.
Zim Coke Private Limited took over the coke ovens within the Ziscosteel plant in a $260 million deal.
In an interview, company consultant Mr Eddie Cross said there has been a lot of interest shown by companies all over the world who want to operate within the ZimCoke plant.
“We have a lot of contractors lined up. In fact so far we have about 20 companies that are lined up to start work. We have a mix of local and foreign companies who are waiting to start work,” he said.
Mr Cross said the company was finalising its paperwork ahead of the start of production early next year as planned.
A team of experts recently visited the plant to make assessments and recommendations.
“We had a team of technical experts, some from South Africa, and some from Europe who were recently on the ground to make assessments and help with feasibility studies.
“As you are aware we are currently working on the renovations of the coke ovens with the prospects of commencing production anytime next year,” said Mr Cross.
He said much of the paperwork had been done, including the settling of the debt with German Bank KfW that was now at an advanced stage.
“We have agreed with KfW in principle. The deal has been approved. We are now awaiting the signing of the agreement by the Attorney General which should happen before the end of the year,” said Mr Cross.
He said the transfer of assets was also a sticking issue which was yet to be finalised.
“Ziscosteel was not operational for close to 11 years, and there are so many processes that we should go through to ensure that the assets are fully transferred to us. We are also hopeful that we will be done by the end of the year in that regard as we have taken significant strides,” he said.
The company is expected to benefit more than 1000 former Ziscosteel workers both directly and indirectly.
The company took over coke ovens within Ziscosteel under a $255 million deal.
ZimCoke and Zisco signed an agreement of sale in 2017 where ZimCoke bought the coke-making assets of the steel company consisting of the plant and machinery, land and buildings, and associated infrastructure of coal handling and locomotives.
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