Ministry plans to revive chrome export
Business Reporter
sundaynews.co.zw
THE Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is engaged in consultations with chromite ore exporters to add value to the mineral so as to resume exports, a Cabinet minister has said.
In an interview with Sunday Business, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Obert Mpofu, said some companies had resumed the smelting of chromite ore to ferro chrome while negotiations with exporters have reached an advanced stage to ensure that they process the mineral before exporting so that the country could accumulate more by way of churning out a semi-finished product.
“We are engaged with chrome ore exporters to ensure that they process their chrome to ferro chrome before exporting it. However, companies like the Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company (ZIMASCO) and ZimAlloys have already started smelting chrome,” he said.
The Government is also seeking to promote small-scale chrome miners to set up more smelters around the country while imposing a total ban on the export of chrome without value addition.
There are many buyers in South Africa, China and Europe willing to buy stock piles, which have accumulated since the ban.
Chrome mining is undertaken in Shurugwi, Mutorashanga, Lalapanzi and Guinea Fowl with the smelting being done in Kwekwe.
Chrome mining in Shurugwi (formerly Selukwe) started as open cast workings in 1905.
Mining is, however, now through underground methods at three properties, namely Railway Block, Peak and Small mines. |
