Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE has intensified efforts to expand its ferrochrome production capacity, a move aimed at consolidating its position in the global stainless steel value chain while ensuring greater value addition and beneficiation of its mineral resources.
Ferrochrome, a key ingredient in the production of stainless steel, has emerged as a strategic mineral for the country, with the Government placing it at the centre of its industrialisation and mining beneficiation agenda.
Speaking during a recent post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere underscored the growing importance of ferrochrome to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, while noting the risks associated with its volatile pricing on the global market.
“Pertaining to ferrochrome, which is part of the value chain in stainless steel production, the Minister reported that it is the most volatile mineral in terms of prices,” said Dr Muswere.
Despite the global price instability, Zimbabwe is making significant strides in ramping up its ferrochrome production.
Currently, the country boasts about ten other producers, with individual annual production capacities ranging from 3 000 to 84 000 tonnes.
Collectively, these operations contribute an estimated 270 000 tonnes per annum to the national output.
The game-changer, however, is the Palm River Project, commissioned in February 2025, which now has an operational capacity of 100 000 tonnes per annum.
The project, situated in Beitbridge, is undergoing an aggressive ramp-up phase aimed at achieving its design capacity of 1 million tonnes per annum — a development that will make it the single largest ferrochrome producer in Zimbabwe.
In line with its drive to promote beneficiation, Cabinet reaffirmed the ongoing ban on the export of raw chrome ores, urging chrome title holders to prioritise value addition locally.
“With immediate effect, the issuance of new chrome mining title above 100 hectares has to be linked to the expansion or development of new furnace capacity,” said the Minister.
The government also reiterated its commitment to implementing strong regulatory frameworks to ensure resource optimisation.
This includes enforcing the “use it or lose it” policy more vigorously, particularly in the chrome sector.
“The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development will be strengthening the implementation of the use it/lose it principle, and holders of all unutilised mining titles, chrome in particular, are requested to take note of the
Government position,” the Minister said while presenting a report as presented by Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando.
This firm policy direction is expected to unlock investment in smelting infrastructure, encourage new entrants into value-added production, and reduce the country’s dependency on volatile raw ore markets.
Strengthening the ferrochrome industry is seen as a critical step toward achieving both downstream industrial growth and foreign currency earnings through value-added exports.
