By Providence Maraneli
THE Second Republic’s drive for employment creation and industrialisation is taking shape in Beitbridge, where the recently commissioned Palm River Mining and Energy Industrial Park has already employed more than 800 people.
The US$3.6 billion project, commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in February this year, sits on over 5 000 hectares of a Special Economic Zone and integrates mining, coking, green power generation, and advanced smelting technology.
Palm River Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bai Xudong, said the project is rapidly expanding.
“We are now employing more than 800 employees with a target of 10 000. Currently, we are producing 50 megawatts of power with a total target of 1 200 megawatts of green energy,” he said.
The project has also addressed skills shortages by partnering with the Harare Institute of Technology, where over 2 000 workers have been trained in metallurgy, electricity, and machinery.
Electric power apprentice, Mr David Pikinini, testified to the skills development benefits.
“Now I know a lot about electricity, and I am so grateful. They are teaching us, and with time, I will be an expert,” he said.
With an annual output of 100 000 tonnes of ferrochrome, 100 000 tonnes of coke, and 50MW of electricity, the park is already transforming the local economy and community.
Special Advisor to the President, Dr Joram Gumbo, commended the project for its scope and environmental consciousness.
“The project includes coal mines, coking plants, green energy, ferrochrome smelters, and robust infrastructure. Its focus on low-carbon production and recycling energy through photovoltaic green power, coke oven gas recovery, and waste heat generation makes it a model of sustainable industrialisation,” he said.
Implemented in five phases, the Palm River Industrial Park will eventually employ 10 000 workers, produce 1 200 megawatts of electricity, and yield two million tonnes of ferrochrome, making it one of Zimbabwe’s flagship investments in industrial growth.
