Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) has begun steel bar production at its Manhize steel plant, marking a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s industrial sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
With backing from the Tsingshan Holding Group, the plant is set to become Africa’s largest integrated steel producer, with an annual capacity of 1.2 million tonnes.
Steel production is expected to meet local demand and supply exports to neighbouring countries, reducing Zimbabwe’s reliance on imports. Disco is committed to sustainable practices while boosting local employment and infrastructure.
According to Disco Operations Manager Wilfred Motsi, there is great optimism about the project’s potential.
“This is a momentous step for both our company and Zimbabwe. Our investment will not only transform the local steel industry but also spur economic growth by creating jobs and building export capacity.”
The company has ambitious plans to expand its product range, contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s national development goals. This new phase of steel production is pivotal in enhancing the country’s economic resilience and ensuring its prominence in the global steel industry.
Disco’s Manhize project represents a long-term vision that will not only serve Zimbabwe’s internal steel needs but also contribute to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The production of steel bars is just the first phase of a comprehensive project. As the plant grows, it will increase production capacity and product offerings, including hot-rolled coils, rebar, wire rods, and eventually stainless steel.
This steel project is essential for Zimbabwe, which has long relied on imports. For decades, the country imported large quantities of steel, negatively affecting foreign currency reserves. With the new production capacity, Zimbabwe is expected to meet domestic demand and potentially export steel products to neighbouring countries, improving its trade balance and economic resilience.
The project’s economic benefits extend beyond direct financial gains. The plant is expected to create thousands of jobs, both directly at the factory and indirectly through supply chains in mining, transport, and related industries. Local communities around Manhize will also benefit from improved infrastructure and development programs, aligning with Disco’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
According to industry experts, Zimbabwe is ideally suited for such a massive steel project due to its rich iron ore reserves and proximity to essential inputs such as coal and limestone. Additionally, the country’s central location within southern Africa makes it a convenient hub for exporting steel to other parts of the continent.
With the new plant, Disco hopes to make Zimbabwe a key player in the global steel industry. Tsingshan Holding Group has also committed to using modern, energy-efficient technologies at the Manhize plant, ensuring that steel production meets global environmental standards in line with Zimbabwe’s sustainability goals.
The commencement of steel bar production marks the beginning of broader efforts to develop Zimbabwe into an industrial powerhouse. As the project progresses, it is expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s GDP and contribute to the national goal of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030.
Backed by substantial investments from Tsingshan Holding Group, the Manhize steel project represents a crucial step toward Zimbabwe’s industrial future, with the potential to create lasting economic and social benefits while strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty.
