Staff Reporter
Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) has taken a major step towards revitalising its operations, injecting over US$8 million into the resuscitation of its coke oven battery, which has been dormant for more than a decade.
The move is expected to boost monthly coke production to over 18 000 tonnes, a significant milestone for the coal mining giant.
This latest development comes as global and local demand for coking coal continues to rise, positioning HCCL to reclaim its strategic role in Zimbabwe’s energy and industrial sectors.
The coke oven battery is a crucial part of the company’s infrastructure, and its revival signals renewed momentum in Hwange’s long-term turnaround strategy.
In an interview with the media recently, HCCL Managing Director, Engineer William Gambiza, confirmed that preparations for restarting the plant are at an advanced stage.
“We decided to go on this critical project as an important step in reviving the company’s fortunes. Our battery is now ready for warming up this June. We invested US$8.1 million in this project,” said Gambiza.
The company’s recent resurgence is largely attributed to the government’s decision to place HCCL under administration—a bold intervention that has brought much-needed stability to operations, improved productivity, and restored employee morale.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, praised the turnaround strategy and its positive ripple effects on both economic performance and worker welfare.
“We are grateful for the government’s decision to place HCCL under administration. We see the results of the company’s resurgence. Workers are now getting paid on time, the Government is also getting its dividend, and we are proud of the work being done by management,” Minister Moyo said.
Beyond its own operations, HCCL plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s power generation matrix.
Its coal output fuels key power plants, making the company central to the country’s energy security.
In addition, the revived coke production will support a number of downstream companies involved in coke making, many of which rely heavily on HCCL as a primary supplier.
With the Government as the major shareholder and a supportive policy environment in place, Hwange Colliery’s ongoing revival is set to drive broader industrial growth, job creation, and economic resilience not just in Hwange, but across the nation.
