by Derick Tsimba

 Matebeleland North coal mining activities in Hwange are poised for growth following successful initiatives by Government to expand coal mining activities.

President, Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to visit Hwange to officiate at the opening of Hwange South new coking mining projects, Zimbabwe ZhongXin Coking Company (ZZCC), Jinan Coking Coal Project and South Mining Coking Coal Project this week, The Harare Post can report.

During the official opening of the Hwange coking plant, the President is expected to tour other local coal mining companies in Hwange on Thursday and Friday, namely Makomo Resources, Dinson Colliery, ZZCC Coke Plant, Zambezi Coal and Gas Mine.

The visit to Hwange by His Excellency President Mnangagwa should ensure the successful turn-around of Matebeleland North Province as a vibrant mining community through Governments efforts to ensure community development is stepped up.

Mining of coal in Hwange dates back to 1899, which influenced the location of Hwange town whose population depends on coal mining. In 2015, world leaders formulated the Paris Agreement to reduce global warming to pre-industrial times at 1,5 degrees Celsius achieved through banning of coal, a fossil fuel that is the largest polluter.

A 2030 ban is in place to stop the use of coal for electricity generation by developed countries and developing nations have up to 2050 to find other alternative energy sources. Zimbabwe has an opportunity to utilize its coal resources for development by 2050, as the ban threatens the future of the coal mining industry in Zimbabwe.