Ferrochrome Miners to Power Up Zimbabwe with New ...

Ferrochrome Miners to Power Up Zimbabwe with New Plants!

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe's industrial giants are stepping up to the plate! The nation's top ferrochrome miners, notorious for gobbling up electricity, have struck a deal to build their own power plants within the next two years. This bold move aims to tackle the country's energy woes and ensure a brighter future for the industry.

In the meantime, these miners will get a sweet deal, paying significantly lower electricity rates than their mining counterparts. This strategy keeps the chrome industry humming while the new power plants take shape. John Musekiwa, head honcho at Sinosteel's Zimbabwe unit, the country's chrome champion, believes this agreement is a game-changer for long-term stability. His company, Zimasco, has set its sights on generating a whopping 300 megawatts by 2026, enough to power a small city!

The Zimbabwean government isn't just looking for a quick fix. They've got their eyes on a greener future. Musekiwa assures that the construction timelines reflect the government's commitment to eco-friendly solutions. This is crucial as the country's energy demands are expected to skyrocket to 3,000 megawatts by 2026, with mining companies leading the charge. Right now, Zimbabwe scrapes by with just 1,400 to 1,500 megawatts, relying on neighboring countries to fill the gap.

The mining sector itself is on a tear. The Chamber of Mines predicts demand from this industry to surge past 500 megawatts this year, up from 450 megawatts in 2023. This growth is fueled by ongoing expansion projects and a wave of new players jumping into the mining game.