By Rutendo Mapfumo
The Zimbabwe International Coking Corporation has invested US$20 million towards the construction of a state-of-the-art coking plant, which is capable of producing 50,000 tonnes of coking coke per month.
In an interview, Deng Yao, the General Manager of the Zimbabwe International Coking Corporation, stated that the company will collaborate with other local enterprises to achieve this ambitious production target.
“We expect to source more raw materials from local collieries, including Hwange Colliery Company and various other mining entities within the region,” he said.
The coking plant features two cutting-edge batteries, which are currently being constructed and connected to the ovens. The Zimbabwe International Coking Corporation is part of the Zimbabwe Zhong Xin Group, a joint venture established between Qualisave Mineral Resources of Zimbabwe and Yuxia ZhongXin Coking Company of China.
Yao emphasised that the coking plant aims to create job opportunities for the local community, particularly in Hwange.
“We are targeting approximately 100 local workers who will be employed at the coke batteries, alongside a few Chinese nationals who will come to assist with specialised work and technical issues,” he explained.
Coking coal is a specific grade of coal that is essential for producing high-quality coke, which serves as a vital fuel and reactant in the blast furnace process of primary steelmaking. The demand for metallurgical coal is strongly linked to the demand for steel, making this project particularly significant in the context of the global market.
“We already have a ready export market in South Africa, which will, in turn, bolster the country’s GDP,” Yao continued, highlighting the economic benefits the plant is expected to bring.
Historically, Zimbabwe has exported coke and coal products to regional markets, especially to copper smelters in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. However, the market landscape has evolved, presenting new challenges and opportunities for local producers.
The establishment of the coking plant by the Zimbabwe International Coking Corporation marks a pivotal development in the country’s industrial landscape. Not only does it represent a substantial investment that is likely to enhance local production capabilities, but it also signals a commitment to fostering economic growth through job creation and skill development
New Ziana
