Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga,Mid lands Correspondent
KWEKWE-based ferrochrome producer, Zimasco, has intensified preparations to reopen its Western Plant, which is expected to increase the company’s production.
The furnaces have been undergoing a US$1,6 million refurbishment exercise since the expiry of a lease agreement between the company and South African company, Portnex International in 2020.
Zimasco has been operating using the East Plant, which only has two furnaces.
Although Zimasco general manager, marketing and administration, Ms Clara Sadomba, could not give exact dates of the restart of the furnaces, she said the refurbishments had reached an advanced stage.
“Zimasco continues to make preparations towards the restart of its West Plant furnaces. These preparations are at an advanced stage but are still ongoing. Therefore, the furnace switch on date has not yet been finalised,” said Ms Sadomba.
The development is part of an expansion programme by the smelting company, which has also seen Zimasco investing US$35 million for the construction of a new ferrochrome smelter as it seeks to increase capacity by 40 percent by 2022.
The new furnace plant will have a capacity of 72 000 tons per annum and is expected to raise the production of ferrochrome up to 250 000 tonnes up from the current 180 000 tones.
According to Ms Sadomba, the project will also include the construction of a sinter plant, which can cater for about 300 000 tonnes per annum.
“A feasibility study for the project has been completed and a design work is in progress,” Ms Sadomba said.
A five-year business plan has also been drafted to take into account additional ore requirements of the new furnaces together with a suitable mining plan.
This follows the banning of exports of raw chrome by the Government last month to promote investments in local beneficiation and value addition of the mineral.
Ms Sadomba says talks were ongoing between Zimasco and power supply company Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) for the supply of power for the new plant.
Besides the increase in production, the development will see more employment opportunities being created.
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