Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has praised the significant turnaround of Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) during a multi-day familiarisation tour of key economic projects in Matabeleland North Province.
He described HCCL as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“I am thrilled and very relieved to see Hwange Colliery back on its feet. At one time, many had lost hope in the country’s ability to revive this critical company, but the pace of recovery has been truly remarkable,” he said.
HCCL Administrator Munashe Shava, who has been leading the revival efforts, highlighted the importance of resuscitating the coke battery oven. “This project was essential to our value chain. We are no longer just mining and selling raw coal; we are adding value through coke production,” he said.
Notably, the refurbished coke oven, was completed for just US$7.5 million, reflecting efficient resource management.
The refurbished coke oven battery began warming up on October 3 last month, with production of metallurgical coke expected to start by December 2025. The plant will produce 18,000 tonnes per month, bolstering cash flow, profits, and market competitiveness for HCCL, while reinforcing Zimbabwe’s energy and steel industries.
During the tour in which heVP Chiwenga was accompanied by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, the delegation also visited the Zhong Jing Heli Energy Power Station, a project that is enhancing Zimbabwe’s electricity generation capacity.
The Zhongjin Hwange Power Plant is being developed in two phases: Phase I includes a 100MW power generation capacity featuring advanced boilers and a condensing steam turbine. Preparations are underway for Phase II, which will add another 135MW.
New Ziana
