Monthly coal production to increase by 300 000t

Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu said more coal miners were likely to start mining this year.
“With two companies, we are producing about 300 000 tonnes per month and the figure will go up to between 500 000 and one million tonnes per month,” he said.
“This will make Zimbabwe one of the largest exporters of the commodity in the region and beyond.”

Hwange Colliery Company and Makomo Resources are mining coal with the third miner Liberation Mine still exploring.
Dr Mpofu said issuance of a number of new coal grants would also boost production.

“We have issued a number of special coal grants — a move that will see more players in the sector. The demand for export was just unlimited,” he said.
He said the Midlands, Matabeleland North and South provinces and other areas had massive coal deposits.

Last year the Government issued about 20 special coal grants. Internationally coal has become the single-largest source of electricity generation in recent years especially in China.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global coal demand is poised to grow by 600 000 tonnes everyday over the next five years due to increased power generation needs in emerging economies. — New Ziana.