Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’S coal sub-sector is emerging as a key driver of the mining industry’s projected annual growth of over six percent, with industry leaders underscoring its critical role in both direct revenue generation and broader industrial development.
Coal and coke continue to anchor several downstream industries, reinforcing their strategic importance to the country’s economic growth and industrialisation agenda.
Sustained demand for coal products is expected to bolster performance across the entire mining value chain, particularly in energy generation and heavy industry.
“I think the mining sector, especially the coal and coke sector, actually plays a very important role for the whole mining sector. Not only can it directly contribute to the revenue, but also… the coal and coke actually play a very important role in the whole industry chain. The other industries, such as ferro-chrome, steelmaking, and power generation, all need coal. I can say in this way, coal and coke play a direct and indirect contribution to the whole economy or the whole industry,” Managing Director South Mining, Mr Li Chenji said.
Industry players are now shifting focus towards expanding markets as part of efforts to unlock higher production levels and improve profitability.
“Our aim is to expand our coal market, because as the market increases, it also means coal production increases, so that we increase the borderline of our margins. Whatever income that we are generating, either through exports, will also build up to the mining industry’s targets,” General Manager Makomo Resources, Mr Kuda Nyabonda said.
Zimbabwe’s mineral exports generated over US$3 billion in 2025, an increase from US$2.9 billion recorded in 2024, reflecting the sector’s growing contribution to the national economy.
With strong linkages to energy, manufacturing and export markets, the coal sub-sector is expected to remain a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s mining growth in 2026.
