ZIMBABWE’S coal sub-sector is positioning itself for significant growth, with a portfolio of 14 thermal power projects capable of generating 4,860 megawatts currently in advanced stages, Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings CEO Engineer William Gambiza has revealed.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Mine Entra Beneficiation and Value Addition Symposium in Bulawayo, Gambiza, who also chairs the Coal Producers Association of Zimbabwe (CPAZ), outlined an ambitious vision for the sector that goes beyond traditional coal mining to include downstream value addition and industrial integration.
14 Projects in the Pipeline
Gambiza told delegates that the coal industry was targeting the demands of a “one-million-tonne coal mining industry,” with multiple projects at various stages of development. Among the players at the table are Titan Power, Yongjing Electric Energy, Prestige Massive, SD Bank Bridge, Sunny Gin, Long, Norton, Service Gas, Omo Energy, Jimson, and Nubibi Power.
“These projects are in the final stages or are intended to achieve an output of around 4,860 megawatts,” Gambiza said, highlighting the critical role coal will play in addressing Zimbabwe’s energy deficit.
The Hwange Colliery boss, who was appointed substantive CEO in November 2024, emphasised that beyond thermal power generation, there are significant opportunities for investors in coal-to-liquid plants and oil refineries.
“In the context of coal, there also lie opportunities for investors and the current coal miners to invest in coal-to-liquid plants, which have much greater value compared to coal. Above that, they also have opportunities to invest in oil refineries,” he said.
Major Projects Underway
Several of the projects mentioned by Gambiza are already at advanced stages:
Titan Power, The Titan New Energy project in Hwange is a 720MW thermal power plant with an associated 200MW solar photovoltaic plant, backed by a US$1 billion investment and expected to be completed by the end of 2028. The project, a partnership between Titan New Energy and ZESA Holdings, held its groundbreaking ceremony in December 2024, officiated by President Mnangagwa.
Prestige Massive — A 1,200MW coal-fired power and chrome smelting plant is under construction in Beitbridge, with an estimated capital outlay of US$1.4 billion. The plant will source coal from the Tuli Coal Mine, approximately 20 kilometres west of Beitbridge, and is being developed in three phases. At least 300 villagers are already employed at the site, with the company seeking additional skilled workers.
Zimbabwe ZhongXin Electric Energy (ZZEE) — A 270MW thermal power plant is under development in Hwange.
Zhongjin Heli — A 100MW thermal power plant is under construction in Beitbridge and is expected to be completed during 2025.
Dinson — Dinson Company has completed its Phase One 50MW plant, which is already in operation, with a 20MW waste-heat recovery plant under construction and a further 50MW planned.
Jinan — A 200MW solar project is being developed in Gweru.
The Coal Debate and Financing Needs
Acknowledging the global debate over coal’s future, Gambiza made a strong case for continued investment in the resource.
“On one side, we put those who are for coal. On the other side, we put those who are pushing for coal to be phased out. But I think, as a country, we need a lot of coal resources. Coal is part of our future energy needs,” he stated.
The mining executive called on local financial institutions to actively participate in financing coal projects and value-addition initiatives.
“We strongly encourage our local financial institutions to actively participate in financing coal projects and value addition because that’s all they just need,” he said.
Regional Integration and Industrial Linkages
Gambiza also stressed the importance of integrating the coal sector into broader industrial development frameworks, echoing calls by Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu for stronger linkages between mining and manufacturing.
The expansion comes as HCCL Holdings, under Gambiza’s leadership, has embarked on a US$20 million turnaround strategy, which includes the resuscitation of a US$8.2 million coke oven battery project, a US$3.2 million wash plant, and a US$3 million HESCO conveyor project.
The company has also entered into a US$50 million joint venture with Zhong Jian Investments to develop a world-class underground mine, ZimHwange Coal Mining Company.
“The map before us is incomplete. Together, let us draw a new map and finish it,” Gambiza said.
