Hwange Colliery unveils US$3.5 Million equipment as production soars

Rutendo Nyeve in Hwange THE Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, today officially unveiled a fleet of state-of-the-art equipment worth US$3.5 million for Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL), marking another milestone in the Government’s drive to revitalise the coal mining giant and boost energy security.The new equipment, which includes ambulances, 30-tonne trucks, buses, refuse compactors, and off-road service vehicles, is part of a broader recapitalisation program that has seen HCCL’s annual coal production surge from less than 500,000 metric tonnes before 2017 to over seven million metric tonnes.Speaking during a media tour of the company’s facilities in Hwange, Dr Muswere hailed the transformation of HCCL as a testament to the success of President Mnangagwa’s administration in driving industrialisation and energy self-sufficiency.“Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, we have been showcasing a number of achievements in terms of the new dispensation“So the provincial media tour of Matabeleland North Province that we commenced today focuses on one district, Hwange. The tour includes a number of companies, and for today, we were able to tour about 10 institutions, which includes a Hwange Colliary company.This particular provincial media tour is also testimony in terms of achievements of Government’s commitment to ensure that we achieve energy security and also contribute towards the industrialisation of our country,” said Dr Muswere.The Minister said HCCL’s revival was anchored on modernisation, recapitalisation, and joint venture models, which have resuscitated both underground and open-cast mining operations.“This includes more than five mines, both underground and open-cast mining operations, taking place from a pre-2017 record of less than 500 000 metric tonnes per annum to more than seven million metric tonnes of coal being produced under Hwange Colliery Company Limited,” he said.Dr Muswere outlined how HCCL’s increased output is supporting multiple sectors of the economy. “Twenty-five percent of the production is going towards industrialisation in different spheres, from secondary industrial industries.

They are contributing also to agricultural activities, including coal being utilised in the agricultural sector, and at the same time, coal being used in many other industries. Another 25 percent is going towards the production of found coke, meteorological coke, and other by-products, while 50 percent is going towards thermal power generation to support electricity production in our country,” he said.He added that HCCL is now focusing on value addition, including the finalisation of coking ovens and batteries, as well as refurbishing gas infrastructure for the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).Beyond mining, the recapitalisation has also improved workers’ welfare, with the company investing in health facilities, including dialysis machines, and clearing salary arrears that had plagued employees for years.“The institution owed millions of dollars to the employees, but now there is a good human resources and management policy that ensures equitable payment and remuneration of salaries,” said Dr. Muswere.Additionally, HCCL is expanding its operations with a new coal-tar plant and increasing mining activities to further boost production.HCCL Administrator, Mr Munashe Shava, revealed that the company is injecting over US$60 million into its 3 North Mine to ramp up production using advanced, safer mining technology.“Today, we have mined almost two kilometers from where we are now here at 3 North Mine.

As it is now, we are producing about 50 000 tonnes a month, but by next year this time, we will be producing over 200 000 tonnes a month because we have commissioned state-of-the-art equipment. Currently, we are using continuous miners and road headers. We do not use any explosives, so this is a very safe method of mining,” he said.He added that the company will soon introduce long-haul mining with shearers and armored face conveyors to further enhance efficiency.HCCL, a partnership between HCCL and Chinese firm Zhongxia, employs about 400 locals and 100 expatriates.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald

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