adminThe steel producing company recently invested about $6 million at its Chiredzi Ores Anthracites Lignites Zimbabwe (Coal) colliery in the southern part of the country.
In an interview yesterday, Coal administration manager Mr Atul Palande said they had sent some coal samples to the export markets for analysis of the product.
“We will soon be exporting coal to countries in the region such as South Africa and Zambia and other surrounding countries in Sadc.
“We are also looking forward to exporting to India. Already, we have given those foreign markets our coal samples to analyse before we start exporting,” he said.
The crushing and screening plant at the mine, which produces coal into various sizes and grades such as peas, flints, cobles, and fines, has the capacity to screen 200 tonnes per hour.
He said last month they produced between 50 000 tonnes and 60 000 tonnes of coal. Coal from the mine was presently being supplied to local customers in construction, agriculture, and engineering.
“If demand outstrips our current production levels, as a company we will raise the productivity to match with the demand side,” he said.
He said their mine employs about 100 people.
“At present, we have about 100 employees including those involved in mining, exploration, security and administration,” he said.
Mr Palande would not be drawn into commenting on the price of coal on the international market referring questions to Steelmakers general manager Mr Alexander Johnson, who could not be reached on his mobile number.
In 2006, Government through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development granted the company rights to venture into coal mining on a 2 500-hectare piece of land.
Online Reporter