Staff Reporter

…as Gvt boosts smelting capacity

Government through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development (MMMD) is set to boost Ferrochrome production by increasing the country’s smelting capacity as the mining sector seeks to attain the US$12 billion industry target by 2023.

A contact within the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, disclosed that with increased smelting plants, Ferrochrome production was projected to contribute US$1 billion towards the US$12 billion target by 2023.

“In 2021 total Ferrochrome production stood at 181 280.54 tonnes which translated to US$212 176 606.76. We project that by the end of 2022, 570 215.00 tonnes will be produced with increased smelting capacity of 634 276.00 tonnes of Ferrochrome being produced which is estimated to bring US$1 billion in foreign currency,” said the contact.

Commenting on Government initiatives towards the increase of the smelting plants, the contact said, “Chrome Ore will be provided to companies which have capacity for and an interest in local beneficiation and value addition, at the same time the Government will expand its exploration to provide more information and data on the resource in order to attract long-term capital investment, as well as investing in technology suitable for the narrow chrome seam deposits in the great dyke.”

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company (ZIMASCO) and Afrochine Smelting Pvt Ltd have indicated their intention to increase capacity to 70 000 tonnes and 500 000 tonnes  of Ferrochrome by 2023 respectively. Another unnamed new player in the Ferrochrome production has indicated their intent to produce 300 000 tonnes per annum by 2023.