Disco’s Manhize Plant Ignites Industrial Revolution
The Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) has achieved a historic milestone with the activation of its blast furnace at the Manhize steel plant near Mvuma in the Midlands Province. This landmark event signals the beginning of pig iron production, with pricing details set to be announced today (Monday), paving the way for sales to commence.
This development heralds a new era for the region’s industrial landscape, positioning Zimbabwe as a burgeoning hub in the global steel industry. Pig iron, an essential intermediary in steel manufacturing, is produced by smelting iron ore in a blast furnace, and its local production marks a significant advancement.
The Manhize Plant, nearing full commissioning later this year, is on track to become one of Africa’s largest integrated steelworks.
Built by Disco, a subsidiary of China’s Tsingshan Holdings Group Limited, the plant is poised to transform Zimbabwe’s industrial capabilities. Tsingshan also operates Dinson Colliery in Hwange and Afrochine Smelting Limited in Selous.
Project Manager Wilfred Motsi highlighted the plant’s ambitious production targets:
“Last Wednesday afternoon, the blast furnace began pig iron production successfully. The price will be announced on Monday. The plant aims to produce 600,000 tonnes of steel products annually in its first phase, eventually scaling up to five million tonnes per year in the final phase.”
Both the US$1.5 billion plant and the electricity transmission line from Sherwood in Kwekwe to Manhize have been completed, ensuring a steady supply of power to support the massive industrial operation.
The inauguration of the Disco steel plant places Zimbabwe on the map as a potential global steel manufacturing powerhouse. Zimbabwe Institute of Foundries COO Dosman Mangisi emphasized the plant’s positive impact on the local engineering, iron, and steel sectors, noting its potential to revitalize the metal casting industry and boost exports.
Mangisi pointed out that the plant’s operation comes at a critical time, alleviating the foundry industry’s raw material shortages and stabilizing scrap metal prices, which have hindered production in the engineering, iron, and steel sectors.
President Mnangagwa, who toured the plant in March, lauded the rapid progress and investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s business environment. He highlighted the strategic importance of harnessing local iron ore resources to add value and maximize benefits for the nation.
“This investment reflects the conducive business environment and policies of the Second Republic. The full potential of our iron ore resources and value chains is being realized through exceptional teamwork and determination from both the public and private sectors. This national strategic project is a testament to our commitment to infrastructure development in line with Vision 2030,” the President stated.