Story by Tafara Chikumira
The Dinson Iron and Steel Plant in Manhize is now operational, with the production of pig iron in full swing.
The company is taking a phased approach in its operationalisation with the production of steel expected to start as early as next month.
“We are very excited that we are now producing. The blast furnaces are running 24/7 and everything is running smoothly. After the success of this first stage, we will start producing basal steel in July and in August, we will be producing rings. Things are indeed shaping, we are also constructing houses for the displaced families,” said the company’s project manager, Mr Wilfred Motsi.
The government is excited about the economic benefits to be accrued from the steel plant once all the phases are completed.
“The steel plant will contribute about five billion dollars to the economy. It’s a journey that started with the President’s vision when he announced the Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-income society. That vision will be achieved through various sectors like agriculture, mining manufacturing and many others. We are moving as a nation and there is no turning back,” said the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Winston Chitando.
The Dinson Iron and Steel Company is a subsidiary of the global steel-making giant, Tsingshan Holdings.
The plant has brought life to the Manhize area, including through employment creation and is billed to become one of the largest steel producers on the continent.
The plant which is being set up in phases will see the company producing 600 000 tonnes of steel upon completion of the first phase which will jump to five million tonnes once all the phases have been completed.
