Emerging cement manufacturer Shuntai Investments is positioning itself to become the dominant force in Zimbabwe’s construction sector, with ambitious plans to capture 40 per cent of the national cement market by the end of 2027, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to the company’s General Manager, Lee Xiandong, during a site visit and interview at the company’s flagship plant in Chegutu, once fully operational, Shuntai’s aggressive expansion strategy across the country will see total cement production exceed 3 million tons per annum, solidifying its place as the largest cement manufacturer in the nation.
At the heart of this growth is the Chegutu cement plant, which is currently 65 per cent complete. Mr. Xiandong outlined that the installation of machinery is at the 50 per cent stage, with commissioning targeted for the end of June this year. The plant boasts a clinker production capacity of 1,500 to 1,800 tons per day and an 800,000-ton-per-annum cement production line.
In addition to cement, the Chegutu site features a 400,000-ton limestone production line. To ensure energy independence, the company also plans to construct a 30-megawatt thermal power plant immediately after the cement line is commissioned.
Nationwide Footprint
Beyond Chegutu, Shuntai has outlined a comprehensive national rollout:
Zvishavane/Belingwe: A 6,000-ton-per-day cement clinker line, a 200,000-ton limestone line, a 500,000-ton cement grinding station, and a 50-megawatt power station.
Bulawayo and Mutare: 500,000-ton cement production lines each.
Harare: A 1,000,000-ton cement production line.
By the end of 2027, the company projects total production to surpass 3 million tons of cement and 600,000 tons of lime.
To date, Shuntai has injected US$80 million into the Chegutu project, with total investment expected to reach US$120 million upon completion of the current phase. Currently employing over 300 workers, primarily in civil works, the company plans to retain and train these individuals for specialised roles. Once all national projects are operational, Shuntai is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs for local communities.
Despite the positive trajectory, Mr. Xiandong highlighted critical challenges that require stakeholder intervention. He noted that delays from the Mines Office in approving quarry licences for raw limestone are hindering progress. Furthermore, negotiations with local farmers for the construction of 88kV power lines are only halfway concluded, threatening the plant’s power supply.
A significant concern raised was regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate conditions. Mr. Xiandong pointed out that certain standards, such as those for salt and nitrate trade, are set “above international standards” and are nearly impossible to achieve. He noted that requirements for continuous online monitoring systems are not yet standard in African cement plants, even in more industrialised nations like South Africa. He appealed for government intervention to renegotiate these indices to realistic levels.
Despite these hurdles, Shuntai has fostered strong ties with local authorities. The company has engaged in corporate social responsibility initiatives, including donating chairs to the District Development Coordinator (DDC), providing a front loader to the municipality for waste management, and supporting local councillors’ projects.
Regarding the market, Mr. Xiandong confirmed that all raw materials, including limestone from nearby mines and coal, will be sourced locally. He assured that while final pricing depends on market dynamics, Shuntai’s entry will guarantee prices lower than current market rates.
“One thing is very sure,” he stated, “the price will definitely be lower than the current market price.”
With a commitment to prioritising local supply before considering exports, Shuntai Investments is on track to reshape Zimbabwe’s cement landscape, bringing competition, lower prices, and massive industrial capacity to the fore.
