Hwange Colliery unveils US$3,5 million equipment boost in major turnaround

Rutendo Nyeve in HwangeMINISTER of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, yesterday officially unveiled a fleet of state-of-the-art equipment valued at US$3,5 million at Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) in Matabeleland North province.The development marks a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to revitalise the coal mining giant and strengthen Zimbabwe’s energy security.The newly-commissioned equipment includes ambulances, 30-tonne trucks, buses, refuse compactors, and off-road service vehicles. It forms part of a broader recapitalisation programme that has seen HCCL’s annual coal production rise dramatically — from less than 500 000 metric tonnes prior to 2017 to over seven million metric tonnes today.Speaking during a media tour of the company’s facilities in Hwange, Dr Muswere praised the transformation of HCCL as a clear reflection of 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 Hwange Colliery Company.President Mnangagwa,“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,” he said.Dr Muswere said that HCCL’s revival has been anchored on modernisation, recapitalisation, and joint venture models, which have successfully 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.He outlined how the company’s increased output is supporting various sectors of the economy.“25 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.Dr Muswere also noted 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).Zimbabwe Power CompanyBeyond mining, the recapitalisation has had a positive impact on workers’ welfare, with investments in health facilities such as dialysis machines and the clearing of long-standing salary arrears.“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,” he said.Additionally, HCCL is expanding its operations with the development of a new coal-tar plant and increased mining activities aimed at further boosting production. HCCL administrator, Munashe Shava, revealed that the company is injecting over US$60 million into its 3 North Mine to ramp up output using advanced and safer mining technology.“Today, we have mined almost two kilometres 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 don’t use any explosives, so this is a very safe method of mining,” he said.He said that the company will soon introduce long-haul mining with shearers and armoured face conveyors to further enhance efficiency. HCCL, a partnership between the colliery and Chinese firm Zhongxia, currently employs around 400 locals and 100 expatriates.The unveiling of the new equipment underscores HCCL’s remarkable turnaround, positioning it as a key player in Zimbabwe’s energy and industrial sectors.With continued investment and modernisation, the company is poised to play an even greater role in powering the nation’s economic growth.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald