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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Coke making firm ZimCoke Private Limited is expected to commence production anytime soon, with the Redcliff-based company lining up partners in readiness to commence production.
The company, which took over coke ovens within defunct steel giant Ziscosteel in a $255 million deal, was commissioned two months back, but production is yet to start due to renovations on the coke ovens.
In an interview, ZimCoke Consultant Mr Eddie Cross said the company was still finalising paperwork with both Ziscosteel and a German bank.
“We still trying to complete the transfer of assets from Ziscosteel.
“The process is yet to be completed as there are delays here and there. We are also still trying to get the loan agreement with the German Bank so that we start production as early as possible,” said Mr Cross.
He said the company was in the early stages of production, with technical experts on the ground carrying out revitalisation process of the coke ovens.
“We are still in the early stages where we are still doing the technical work. Last week we had a consultancy firm on the ground that was looking at the batteries,” said Mr Cross.
He said discussions with other companies were well on course, adding that most companies expressed willingness to provide services.
“Discussions are on course, and we are satisfied that they will be able to provide us with services.
“National Railways of Zimbabwe has expressed its desire to work with us. We are also trying to negotiate with Hwange Colliery to get coal.
“But the discussions have been delayed because Hwange is not doing well,” he said.
Mr Cross also added that recruitment of workers will start soon after the renovations are done.
“Currently, we have a dozen people who are working on site, we are expecting to recruit more people as we start production earnestly,” he said.
The company is expected to benefit about 1 000 former Ziscosteel workers when it commences production.
Online Reporter