Story by Wellington Makonese
THE government’s industrialisation drive continues to gain momentum, with Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Manhize emerging as a key symbol of Zimbabwe’s steel production progress.
Central to this trajectory is the company’s capacity to generate its own electricity, with surplus power set to be fed into the national grid.
Regarded as one of the largest integrated steel plants on the continent, Dinson Iron and Steel Company is producing more than 500 000 tonnes of steel annually and is steadily positioning itself as a strategic player in the country’s industrialisation agenda, supplying the construction, manufacturing and mining sectors.
Beyond output, the development speaks to broader issues within the energy sector. Steel production is highly energy intensive and can place significant demand on national power supplies.
However, Dinson Iron and Steel Company is moving to meet its needs through internal solutions.
“This industry requires a lot of energy and fortunately we have established our own power plant here. We have captive power. We have a power plant which can produce over 70 megawatts. So far, we have one blast furnace with the capacity to produce 600 000 tonnes of steel per annum, which is sufficient for the country and for export,” said Dinson Industrial Group Public Relations Manager, Mr Joseph Shoko.
The company’s generation capacity exceeds its operational requirements, creating scope to support the national grid.
“It is the nation that can benefit from this project and from the captive power that we have. The plan is to channel excess power into the national grid to complement government efforts. Internal power generation is in line with National Development Strategy 2, which encourages the participation of independent power producers to strengthen the country’s energy capacity, reduce pressure on the national utility and support sustainable industrial growth,” he added.
As production scales up, Dinson Iron and Steel Company is increasingly shaping its role within Zimbabwe’s energy and industrial landscape, reinforcing its contribution to the national industrialisation agenda.
