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including Dorowa and Sable Chemicals, have been affected by the lack of funds, resulting in the scaling down of operations and mounting debts.
In an interview, Chemplex chief executive Mr Misheck Kachere said the decision to export was a strategy by the company to boost its competitiveness on the market as local demand for their products had dwindled.
“Preparations to start exporting are still in the early stages,” said Mr Kachere. “So I cannot give you all the details but we will be ready by mid-year.”
He said some of the export markets being targeted were South Africa, India and Pakistan.
Last year, Chemplex said most of its cash-flow challenges were exacerbated by numerous debts which resulted in banks refusing to give the company loans to finance operations.
The company was also owed more than US$40 million by the Government, seed and fertiliser companies and the lack of capital was affecting the flow of business.
Mr Kachere said maintenance work at Dorowa Minerals was set to start soon but the extent of the work would depend on the funds available.
“We cannot put a figure to the cost of maintenance at the plant but we will be doing as much maintenance as the available funds permit,” he said.
Dorowa scaled down production of phosphate from a possible 12 500 tonnes to about 8 000 tonnes in the past few years owing to liquidity challenges and power shortages, among other problems.
Mr Kachere said the funds generated from exports would go a long way in reviving Chemplex’s ailing subsidiaries.
Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa