.png)
In a definitive statement that puts to rest swirling speculation about the future of one of Zimbabwe’s largest industrial investments, Dinson Iron and Steel Company has confirmed that its Manhize plant will resume full operations in November following the successful repair of critical equipment that caused a temporary production shutdown, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The company’s Project Director, Wilfred Motsi, provided explicit details about the situation in an exclusive interview, stating: “This is strictly a maintenance shutdown due to a technical breakdown of our sintering plant. The faulty equipment has been repaired in China and is already back in the country. We expect all production staff to return to work next month as we recommence operations.”
The clarification comes amid widespread rumours and unsubstantiated claims suggesting the shutdown resulted from political pressures or the country’s broader economic challenges. Internal company documents obtained by this publication confirm the purely technical nature of the problem, revealing a carefully managed maintenance schedule with a clear restart timeline.
At the heart of the temporary shutdown lies a crucial piece of industrial equipment: the sintering plant. This facility serves as the essential first step in the steel production process, specifically designed to process raw iron ore mined from Dinson’s concessions in Chikomba District.
The sintering process involves transforming fine iron ore particles into larger, porous masses called “sinter” through controlled heating. This material transformation is vital because the blast furnace—the core of steel production—cannot efficiently process raw iron ore fines. The sintered material creates the optimal consistency and composition for efficient smelting in the blast furnace.
When the sintering plant experienced a mechanical failure, the entire production chain necessarily ground to a halt. Without functioning sintering equipment, the blast furnace could not receive properly prepared raw materials, making continued production impossible. This domino effect explains why only production staff were temporarily laid off while employees in other departments continued working.
Worker and Committee Testimonies Highlight Transparency and Support
A production worker who preferred anonymity provided firsthand confirmation of the situation. “We were temporarily laid off specifically because the main processing machine broke down and had to be sent to China for specialised repairs,” the worker explained. “The management was transparent with us from the beginning, assuring that this was a temporary measure and we would return to work once the repairs were completed.”
The worker’s account aligns perfectly with the official explanation, contradicting narratives about political or economic motives behind the shutdown.
This transparency was matched by tangible support. Demonstrating its commitment to employee welfare, Dinson Iron and Steel implemented substantial support measures for affected workers during the temporary shutdown. The Workers’ Committee, representing the employees, formally acknowledged this support in a letter dated September 14, 2025, expressing profound appreciation for the company’s “tactful handling” of the situation.
The committee’s letter specifically highlighted the payment of a “salary advance for travelling expenses” and, significantly, full “payments for the days 11–20 September.” This financial intervention was described as a critical lifeline. “This support came at a very critical time,” the committee wrote, noting that many employees had exhausted their resources due to the unforeseen shutdown. “The company’s timely intervention ensured that employees could travel and manage essential expenses without being stranded.”
The committee concluded that this gesture “reflects management’s consideration of employee welfare even in challenging circumstances” and has “strengthened the spirit of cooperation between employees and the company.” This official praise from the workers’ own representatives significantly undermines speculation about financial troubles or disinvestment intentions.
Official Timeline and National Economic Importance
According to internal company documents, the maintenance shutdown commenced on September 11, 2025, with a projected completion date of November 11, 2025. The company has officially set November 12, 2025, as the restart date, when all employees are expected to return to work.
The scheduled maintenance period includes not only repairs to the sintering plant but also comprehensive checks and commissioning of other plant systems. This comprehensive approach ensures that when operations resume, the facility will return to optimal productivity levels.
The Dinson Steel Plant represents one of Zimbabwe’s most significant industrial investments in recent decades. With a planned annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of iron and steel products at full operation, the facility plays a crucial role in the nation’s import substitution strategy and industrial development plans.
The successful resumption of operations will have substantial positive implications for the national economy, including reducing dependence on imported steel, creating direct and indirect employment, supporting downstream industries, and contributing to national GDP.
The detailed technical explanation, supported by worker testimonies and the official correspondence from the Workers’ Committee, provides a clear factual basis that contradicts various rumours about the shutdown’s causes. The evidence consistently points to a routine industrial maintenance issue, handled with notable regard for the workforce, rather than being driven by political or economic factors.
Industrial experts confirm that temporary shutdowns for major repairs are normal in large-scale steel production facilities worldwide. The complexity of modern industrial equipment occasionally necessitates specialised repairs that may require returning components to original manufacturers, particularly for newer facilities still within warranty periods.
With the repaired equipment already in Zimbabwe and the collective focus of management and workers on a November restart, the project demonstrates resilience and a shared commitment to its long-term success, boding well for Zimbabwe’s industrial future.
