Staff Writer

Sabi Star Mine says it is putting final touches on its US$25 million 15 MW thermal power plant and targets to fully integrate the station during the second half of this year with the aim of switching to low-cost thermal power.

In an interview with this publication, Sabi Star mine manager Engineer Oswald Makonese said construction works are almost complete.

“We made massive progress last year. Civil works are at 80 percent completion. We have already taken delivery of all the machinery and equipment for the power plant; what’s left is just to assemble the power equipment. We are pleased with the progress so far,” said Engineer Makonese.

Engineer Makonese added that the thermal power plant will generate up to 15 MW of gross electrical power output, and the mine will only use 12 MW.

“The mine system has a requirement of 12 MW, and there are plans to feed the additional 3 MW into the national grid for the benefit of the nearby communities.

“The overarching benefit of the project is that it has already created employment for hundreds of people in Buhera. The development of this infrastructure will provide a boost to the local economy through the income multiplier effect,” added Engineer Makonese.

Furthermore, Engineer Makonese said Sabi Star Mine has plans to minimise potential hazards from the thermal power plant.

“The plant has flue gas conditioning equipment, including a 60-metre-tall chimney. This includes a Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) system and electrostatic precipitators. The FGD process is designed to remove a significant percentage of the Sulphur dioxide contained within the flue gases in order to comply with current SI 72 of 2009 and SAZ ZSW 977. We anticipate that FGD will remove up to 99% of the particulate matter,” Engineer Makonese further added.

At full production, Sabi Star Mine will produce 300 metric tonnes of concentrate per year, generating in excess of US$600 million for the nation at the current prices.

In addition to generating the much-needed foreign cu