KEY POINTS
- Hwange coke oven project will boost Zimbabwe’s mineral value.
- The facility will have a combined production capacity of 100,000 tonnes per month.
- The project is expected to create over 100 jobs and attract exports.
Zimbabwe is advancing its push for mineral value addition with the construction of a $20 million coke oven battery in Hwange, Matabeleland North.
The state-of-the-art facility is set for commissioning in December 2025 and will play a key role in transforming coal into coke, a vital fuel for steel production.
The coke oven battery will consist of two plants, each with a production capacity of 50,000 tonnes per month, for a combined total of 100,000 tonnes per month.
A coke oven battery is essential for transforming coal into coke through a series of ovens, which are used as a fuel source in blast furnaces for various industrial processes.
On a recent visit to the construction site, company officials confirmed substantial progress. Zimbabwe International Cocking Corporation General Manager, Mr. Deng Yao Lu, shared that the project is on track to meet its target completion date.
“The project is progressing well. Each of the two batteries has an installed production capacity of 50,000 tonnes per month.
We expect to complete this plant by December 2025, and we are confident we will meet that target,” said Mr. Lu.
Local coal producers to benefit from new market opportunities
The project’s success is expected to provide significant benefits to local coal producers, who will supply the raw material needed for coke production.
According to ZBC News, this will create a sustainable market for local coal while also boosting Zimbabwe’s mineral value.
“We are targeting mostly the export market, particularly countries like South Africa, which have shown interest in our coke.
Once operational at full scale, we expect to employ over 100 people, including locals,” Lu added.
The coke production process also yields valuable by-products, including coal chemical tar, ammonia, and crude benzol, which are further processed into essential chemicals like benzene, toluene, and xylene.
These chemicals are critical for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and agriculture.
Zimbabwe attracts foreign investment with favorable policies
This project is part of Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by promoting policies that support the mineral sector and industrialization.
According to the Zimbabwe government, the favorable policies implemented by the Second Republic have made the country an increasingly attractive destination for global investors.
With a growing focus on mineral value addition, the Hwange coke oven battery project is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic development and industrial transformation.
As the country continues to expand its mineral processing capabilities, projects like these will drive growth in both local employment and foreign exchange earnings.
