Online Reporter
Emmanuel Kafe
THE Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has secured a major partnership with Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO), which will see the Chinese-owned firm become an official off-taker and machinery supplier for small-scale chrome miners.
In an interview after a tour of DISCO’s Manhize steel plant yesterday, ZMF president Henrietta Rushwaya described the deal as a “game-changer”.
“DISCO has agreed to buy chrome directly from our small-scale miners and supply them with affordable equipment,” Rushwaya said.
“This will reduce downtime and increase efficiency, allowing our miners to focus on production rather than bureaucratic hurdles.”
Under the new arrangement, she said, small-scale miners will no longer need to navigate complex export procedures such as obtaining CD1 forms and export permits.
“This eliminates the lengthy and costly export documentation process. Miners will now have a guaranteed buyer with prompt payments, bringing stability to their operations,” she said.
“Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale chrome miners have become key players in the industry, contributing significantly to national output,” she said.
“However, challenges such as erratic pricing, high transport costs, and reliance on foreign buyers have stifled growth and profitability.”
Rushwaya said the partnership will address these challenges while supporting the Government’s mining industrialisation agenda.
