$400 million coal-to-fertiliser plant on the horizon

ZIMBABWE is moving closer to achieving self-sufficiency in fertiliser production, with plans underway to construct a US$400 million coal-to-fertiliser plant in Gudo communal lands, Chiredzi District. Rich coal deposits in Gudo and the area’s proximity to the perennial Mkwasine River — a key water source for industrial processing — make it a strategic location for such a massive undertaking. A coal-to-fertiliser facility converts coal into synthetic gas, which is then processed into urea fertiliser — one of the most widely used forms of nitrogen-based fertiliser.

Urea improves soil fertility and boosts crop yields across cereals, sugar cane, horticulture and other crops. For Zimbabwe, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy and fertiliser demand outstrips supply, this plant has the potential to be a game-changer. Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, said the plant would significantly boost fertiliser availability while reducing the country’s import bill.

“We are looking forward to the coal-to-fertiliser project in rural Chiredzi as it will not only improve fertiliser supplies for our farmers but will also create employment and save foreign currency currently spent on imports,” he said. “The project is being spearheaded by Verify Engineering, which has partnered Rusununguko Nkululeko Trust, an investment vehicle of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. “They are in talks with a Chinese investor for a US400 million coal-to-fertiliser investment project in Mkwasine, where Verify Engineering already operates a coal mine since 2007.” The project has already attracted widespread support in Masvingo, particularly in Chiredzi, home to vast sugar cane plantations in Triangle, Hippo Valley, Mpapa and Mkwasine.

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Fertiliser shortages have long hampered productivity in the region. Dr Pazvakavambwa said while the project was still at the planning stage, the province was excited by its huge potential to transform Masvingo’s economy.

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