Online Reporter
Business Reporter
State-owned enterprise CMED (Private) Ltd, has secured 20 chrome mining claims as part of a high – stakes diversification strategy to complement its Government fuel supply mandate.
The move marks a significant shift for the company, which previously held the exclusive rights to supply fuel to all Government ministries and departments.
That landscape changed in 2022 when the Government shifted 90 percent of its fuel procurement to Petrotrade, another State-owned entity, a decision CMED admits has severely constrained cash inflows and stalled infrastructure modernisation.
CMED operates under a broad mandate to provide essential transport services and heavy equipment for major infrastructure projects, including roads, dams and bridges.
While the organisation maintains the flexibility to pursue diverse commercial opportunities outlined in its Memorandum of Association, such as its recent venture into mining and hospitality, it remains strategically committed to prioritising Government requirements.
The dual approach ensures it supports national developmental goals while adhering to sound, profitable business practices.
According to a management presentation at the company’s strategic workshop in Bulawayo in November 2025, CMED is already seeing early success at its Mapinga chrome mine, where it is extracting high-grade chrome ore.
The mine has yielded a premium grade of 54,5 percent, above the regional average for the Great Dyke.
Since operations began earlier this year, the mine has produced 700 tonnes of ore.
CMED plans to ramp up production to 1 000 tonnes per month by deploying additional machinery and equipment.
“The reduction in cash inflows from the Government mandate affected our ability to upgrade infrastructure,” CMED said.
