Ferrochrome, coal output growth projected

Published: 21 February 2018

The Chamber of Mines is projecting robust growth in ferrochrome and coal output this year underlined by an improved operating environment as well as sound investments in these sectors.

Being home to the second largest chrome deposits in the SADC region after South Africa, Zimbabwe is well positioned to benefit from the commodity through by value addition and beneficiation so as to export high carbon ferro-chrome to international markets.

In fact, the country derived more revenue from this initiative last year after exporting 140 000 tonnes of the commodity and earning $115 million.

The overall target last year was for the sector to double its production from an actual figure of 149 000 tonnes to 300 000 tonnes but subdued performance in capacity utilisation in chrome mining had dampened these hopes.

Optimism has however been revived for the sector as mining authorities forecast a jump in production for chrome this year underpinned by various strategies adopted by industry players as well as initiatives that have brought in new players in the sector.

"This positive trajectory is also expected in the production levels for coal, which has attracted interest from international investors," Chamber of Mines CEO, Mr Isaac Kwesu said.

With vast reserves of chrome and coal estimated to be above 1 billion tonnes, Zimbabwe can benchmark its mining growth on effectively tapping on these resources and revive its economy.

The forthcoming mining indaba to be hosted in the country at the end of this month provides the perfect selling point to highlight to delegates.
- zbc

Tags: Coal,