Online Reporter
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THE Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR) has commissioned a US$1.5 million West Nicholson Transhipment siding where stakeholders will witness its first lithium concentrate export shipment this week.
BBR general manager, Mr Kumbulani Tendai Mabvura, is a statement, said the facility was a strategic tool in Zimbabwe’s campaign to dominate the global mineral economy.
“This week, the first lithium concentrate export shipment will move out of the new West Nicholson siding, a decisive moment that signals Zimbabwe’s readiness to compete head on in the international market for bulk minerals. In partnership with NRZ and Silvergill logistics, the shipment will be destined for (Mozambique) Maputo port,” said Mr Mabvura.
He pointed out that the West Nicholson siding was the latest addition to Zimbabwe’s rail network, “proving that BBR was not only maintaining assets but expanding capacity in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NSD2), which focuses on implementation.”
“BBR’s message is uncompromising, Zimbabwe is done waiting, it’s time for implementation. We are investing, we are delivering, and we are demanding performance. The new West Nicholson siding is a bold declaration that rail is back at the centre of national logistics, and that Zimbabwe will not be side-lined in the global race for bulk minerals.
New West Nicholson siding is Zimbabwe’s newest rail investment and it will add tremendous value into Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in the world bulk minerals market. This siding is proof that BBR is not talking about progress, it’s building it, we are moving it, and we are exporting it,” he said.
Mr Mabvura said the facility was built to accelerate the flow of lithium concentrates to ensure that Zimbabwe captures maximum value from its mineral wealth. It is also designed to handle iron ore, chrome, and other bulk commodities, making it a backbone for diversified exports within the Matabeleland region.
“The new siding reinforces BBR’s strategy to restore rail dominance in bulk logistics, cutting costs and turnaround times. It will help the country to boost foreign currency earnings, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and create jobs, It also releases road stress caused by trucks, boost the country’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) score by reducing air pollution.”
