Zimasco engages local contractors

doubling of its capacity – represents the first phase of the company’s US$300 million expansion project that is expected to increase Zimasco’s ferrochrome production from 170 000 metric tonnes to 230 000 metric tonnes.
Hot commissioning of the furnace number two is expected by the end of this year.
A Zimasco official said the rebuilding programme commenced in June last year with an initial focus on the development of detailed designs and tendering.
“The contract to dismantle the old fire- damaged furnace structures was awarded to a local contractor on August 24, 2011. Dismantling work commenced on October 3, 2011 and was completed on December 22, 2011.
“The structural steel contract for the furnace building and the raw material feed system was awarded on December 14, 2011, to a Bulawayo-based company. Preparation of steel fabrication detailing has been concluded and fabrication has commenced. Steel deliveries to site will commence in March 2012.
“The main civil contract was awarded on December 12, 2011 to a Kwekwe-based contractor and preparatory work is proceeding on site with the current focus being on preparation of the furnace crucible foundation,” said the official.
Meanwhile, off-site manufacturing of the new furnace shell, furnace roof and furnace transformers is now at an advanced stage with the furnace shell ready for delivery.
The first phase requires an estimated US$55 million. The company, which is 73 percent owned by Sinosteel of China, also indicated that it had stepped up purchasing of the required material for the refurbishment project. “Orders for the furnace shell, furnace roof and other major mechanical and electrical components of the furnace have been placed.
“Orders for long delivery lead time items and equipment required early in the project have been placed. These include orders for the project’s tower crane (expected on site by end of February), contractor site offices (site delivery has commenced), construction power distribution boards (delivered to site), under hearth fans, cooling water pumps, process water cooling towers, raw material vibratory feeders, 33kV switchgear, power factor correction and the lining for the new furnace,” said the official.
The second phase of Zimasco’s expansion plan will see the construction of a new 60MVA furnace, which will further boost the company’s ferrochrome output to 330 000 metric tonnes per annum when completed.