Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in MASHAVA
GOVERNMENT has set sights on the next stage of ferrochrome beneficiation levels to stainless steel and usable consumer goods, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He said this in Mashava yesterday after a tour of Zimbabwe Zhongxin Chrome Smelting Company, as part of his tour of economic projects in Masvingo, which saw him also visit Bikita Minerals.
Zimbabwe’s economic development strategy is anchored on ramping up the country’s mineral beneficiation efforts and manufacturing in general.
The Government is now set to decide on a roundtable with players in the industry with a view to improving capacities already present at different private sector-owned sites, and see where the Government can come in and assist.
The upcoming meeting, scheduled for a date to be announced, is prompted by the Government’s quest to ensure that Zimbabwe maximises the economic benefits from its mineral resources by encouraging local processing and production of value-added mineral products.
“They have told us their plans and what they have done. In certain areas, they have done well; in other areas, there is a need to speed up,” said VP Chiwenga.
“They have already completed their captive power project in Hwange, where they are producing 50MW of electricity, and they want to ramp that up to 250MW, which is very positive.
“Right now, they are producing high-carbon ferrochrome, and we are saying no, we want them to add further value. This cannot be done by one company; they will need to involve other companies.
“So, we will need to have a meeting with all the ferrochrome producers to discuss ways to develop this mineral to the highest level. We are going to have a major conference in this particular area,” said VP Chiwenga.
The conference is expected to lay the groundwork for collaborative efforts between the Government and private sector players to develop a robust chrome beneficiation strategy.
Participants are expected to discuss the challenges facing the industry, investment opportunities and the potential for creating jobs while boosting local economies.
“I urge you to embrace the mineral ore export ban as a catalyst for growth and industrialisation,” said VP Chiwenga.
“Together, we can transform Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth into a sustainable engine of prosperity for our people, ensuring that our resources benefit not just a few, but many. Zimbabwe values mutually beneficial partnerships.
“The current economic landscape of Zimbabwe minerals sector demands a strategic shift from exporting raw commodities to value-added finished products,” said VP Chiwenga.
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