Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe recently in Hwange
HWANGE-BASED Dinson Colliery has initiated the activation of its extensive Phase Four consisting of 85 coke oven batteries, a move that aims to enhance the current infrastructure, boost production levels and expand its export footprint.
The 85 coke oven batteries are a crucial component of phase four.
Presently, the company operates in three phases, yielding 1 500 tonnes of metallurgical coke daily at a multi-million dollar vast plant.
Metallurgical coke is in high demand locally and regionally, particularly by smelting companies for their manufacturing processes.
Dinson Colliery is engaged in coking coal, coal washing, coal tar recovery, coal tar processing and other activities.
The colliery exports high-quality coke to South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
The strategy of the company is to strengthen its competitive position in the coal industry to ensure long-term sustainability.
Recent growth in the construction industry and the emphasis on infrastructure development since the start of the Second
Republic have led to an upsurge in demand for iron and steel products.
A subsidiary of Tsingshan Holding Group, the firm is a leading producer of coke in Zimbabwe located in Mpongola Village in Hwange District.
The company started constructing its Metallurgical Coke Oven Battery in 2019 and operations started in 2021.
Tsingshan Group is one of the biggest iron and steel makers in the world and recently opened a steel plant in Manhize, Mvuma, which is set to be the biggest in Africa.
Anticipating a rise in production, officials predict an increase in export volumes, workforce and revenue generation.
Giving operational insights to Business Chronicle at the plant site on Friday, Sales and Marketing Officer, Mr Norman Shoko said when phase four comes on stream, it will have a significant bearing on export volumes.
Business Chronicle observed several dozens of haulage trucks waiting for their turn to load products.
“We have 85 coke oven batteries as part of phase four which we commissioned last week and we are still heating it so that in the next two months we start production,” said Mr Shoko.
“We are now operating using three coke oven batteries which can produce about 1 500 tonnes of metallurgical coke per day and we have crude tar as a by-product.
“We sell to local customers including our sister company Dinson Iron and Steel Company which has started producing steel and iron and export to the southern market (South Africa) and northern market, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia,” Mr Shoko said.
Mr Shoko said about 1 500 tonnes per day is being produced, adding that they seek to increase export volumes to the northern market.
Less than 10 000 tonnes per month is currently pushed to the northern markets, he said.
“As Dinson Company we are looking forward to increasing our production as we start using phase four.
“For now we are sitting on more than 100 000 tonnes of metallurgical coke in our stocks, therefore we are looking forward to exporting more as we get additional customers.
“We are also expecting to secure more markets and increase revenue for the Government,” he added.
Dinson has created about 800 jobs for locals.
Online Reporter