Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe Engages ZESA Over Power Crisis

The Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (CoMZ) has engaged the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) over the ongoing power crisis, urging the prioritization of the mining sector amid crippling power cuts.

By Ryan Chigoche

As the largest consumer of electricity in the country, the mining sector depends heavily on a stable and reliable power supply to sustain its operations. However, power shortages and frequent outages have disrupted activities, highlighting the urgent need for a dependable energy source.

The power cuts have led to increased production costs for large-scale mining operations, which have had to rely on costly alternative sources like diesel generators.

Facing the power crisis, Thomas Gono, President of the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe, told Mining Zimbabwe that unscheduled power cuts are negatively impacting operations, adding that they have already engaged the power utility on the issue.

“The mining industry has not been spared from the ongoing power supply constraints, with reports of some unscheduled power outages resulting in production stoppages and output losses. The Chamber of Mines continues to engage ZESA and the Government to prioritize mining companies on the available power while also pursuing alternative power solutions to supplement grid power and meet their energy requirements,” Gono said.

In response to the power crisis, the government has given ferrochrome miners until 2026 to establish their own power generation facilities, anticipating continued economic growth that could push power demand above 3,000 megawatts (MW) within the next two years.

In recent years, Zimbabwe’s economy has seen a significant shift, with the mining sector emerging as a key growth driver. According to the 2024 Chamber of Mines State of Mining Survey report, the sector accounts for 80% of the country’s exports.

Prioritizing power supply to the mining sector is crucial for Zimbabwe’s economic growth due to its significant contribution to the country’s GDP. The mining industry accounts for approximately 8-10% of Zimbabwe’s GDP and is a major driver of export revenue, generating billions of dollars annually from minerals such as platinum, gold, and diamonds. A reliable power supply is essential for maintaining uninterrupted mining operations, directly supporting these revenue streams and helping achieve the government’s growth targets, including increasing mineral exports and boosting overall economic performance.

Currently, ZESA has a generating capacity of 2,000 MW but produces only 1,400 MW due to regular breakdowns at its thermal power stations and ongoing water shortages at its hydroelectric plant.

To address this shortfall, ZESA plans to add 2,300 MW to the grid by 2025, with more than 80% of the new capacity expected to be allocated to the mining sector.