by Grace Chekai
The construction of a coke oven battery plant by AfroChine Smelting (Pvt) company is now 50% complete with the first phase of the plant being expected to be commissioned in December 2020.
A source privy to the development in Hwange told Harare Post that “the first phase is currently 50% complete and expected to be commissioned in December 2020 whilst, the second phase is projected to be completed in 2021 and both phases will each produce 150 000 tonnes of coke per annum”.
The source, however, revealed that the coronavirus outbreak delayed the completion of the first phase which was initially targeted for September. Technicians from China who were supposed to install the equipment were stalled by travel restrictions.
The coke is used as a source of thermal energy to smelt iron ore in the production of steel.
The project will consume a total cost of US$50 million with the first phase utilising US$ 30 million and the remaining phase US$ 20 million.
He said the community in Hwange was looking forward to the completion of this project as it will create employment for more than 300 people.
The source also revealed that AfroChine Smelting which produces ferrochrome is under care and maintenance but anticipates resumption of operations in June 2020.
However, the source lamented over the low international chrome prices due to the slowdown of the global economy which has negatively affected the demand for stainless steel.
The chrome ore is being traded at US$145 per tonne while ferrochrome is averaging at US$879 per tonne. He said the prices had been on a downward trend since December 2019. Before then, the contact said, chrome ore prices used to average above US$220 per tonne while ferrochrome averaged above US$160.
One economic analyst said that the construction of coke battery plant was a positive step towards value addition of the country`s minerals. He added that the current international prices of chrome, ferrochrome and steel threaten development of the industry which could consequently affect the setting up of the carbon steel plant in Mvuma.
AfroChine would become a third major coal miner in Hwange after Hwange Colliery and Makomo Resources.
