Story by Providence Maraneli
ZIMBABWE’s Second Republic is making significant strides in its mining industrialisation drive with the establishment of a US$3.6 billion mining and energy industrial park in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South.
Barely a year into its establishment, the US$3.6 billion energy and metallurgical venture is already employing 400 locals.
With coal from Thuli coal, a joint venture between RBZ ,Palm River energy, and Metallurgical mining, these machines will soon turn and produce 100 megawatts of electricity.
The project, a culmination of a meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the company’s chairman, Mr Xong Xi Dong, is already transforming lives in Beitbridge.
“I am so impressed by this project, the most critical thing they are doing is transfer of skills to the locals and creation of employment,” noted Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Evelyn Ndlovu.
The US$3,6 billion mineral value addition venture operating on 5000 hectares Special Economic Zone speaks to the second republic’s industrial development mantra.
“This project once complete, will change the face of our mining. The project is critical as we pursue Vision 2030. Massive employment, innovation, and skills training speak to the ideas of the Second Republic. I am impressed,” said Mines and Mining Development Minister, Honourable Winston Chitando.
The mining and energy industrial park is currently employing 400 people with figures set to rise to 5 000 once fully operational.
