derick.khumalo
Nqobile Bhebhe
[email protected]
HWANGE Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings has successfully commissioned its rehabilitated Coke Oven Battery, marking the revival of coke production after operations at the facility ceased in 2014, in a development expected to significantly strengthen the country’s steel value chain and enhance value addition.
The commissioning of the Coke Oven Battery at the company’s Hwange Mining and Processing Company (HMPC) business unit signals a major milestone in HCCL’s reconstruction and transformation programme, while positioning the miner to produce higher-value metallurgical coke from Zimbabwe’s abundant coal resources.
Metallurgical coke is a critical raw material used in steel manufacturing, where it serves as both a fuel and reducing agent in blast furnaces.
The revival of production is expected to reduce dependence on imports, improve domestic industrial capacity, support steel manufacturing and create new export opportunities.
In a statement, HCCL Holdings administrator Mr Munashe Shava said the successful commissioning represented more than the restart of a production facility.
“Today marks a defining milestone in the reconstruction and transformation journey of Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings with the successful commissioning of the rehabilitated Coke Oven Battery at our strategic business unit, Hwange Mining and Processing Company (HMPC),” he said.
“This milestone marks the revival of coke production at HCCL Holdings after operations ceased in 2014.”
Mr Shava said the project underscored the company’s commitment to value addition and beneficiation of Zimbabwe’s vast coal resources.
“This commissioning is more than the revival of a production facility, it is a bold statement of HCCL Holdings’ commitment to beneficiating Zimbabwe’s vast coal resources, transforming them into higher-value metallurgical coke that supports steel manufacturing, drives industrial growth and creates greater economic value,” he said.
He noted that the investment aligns with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises value addition, beneficiation and industrialisation.
“The project directly advances the aspirations of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) by promoting value addition and beneficiation, strengthening domestic industrial capacity, reducing reliance on imports, enhancing export potential and contributing to sustainable job creation,” said Mr Shava.
He added that the company remains focused on rebuilding its operations and unlocking greater value from Zimbabwe’s natural resources.
“As we continue reconstructing our business, HCCL Holdings remains focused on creating lasting value for our stakeholders through innovation, operational excellence and strategic investments that unlock the full potential of Zimbabwe’s natural resources,” said Mr Shava.
