Zimbabwe International Coking Corporation is driving the country’s value-addition efforts with a significant investment of over US$20 million in the construction of a cutting-edge coke oven battery in Hwange, Matabeleland North, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The ambitious project, set to be completed by December 2025, marks a major step forward in the nation’s push for industrial growth and mineral beneficiation.
The facility, designed to enhance the country’s coke production capacity, will consist of two advanced plants capable of producing a combined 100,000 tonnes of coke per month. Each plant has an installed capacity of 50,000 tonnes, positioning Zimbabwe International Coking Corporation as a key player in the region’s metallurgical and steel production sectors.
During a tour of the construction site, Zimbabwe International Coking Corporation’s General Manager, Mr Deng Yao Lu, expressed confidence in the project’s progress, stating that the plant is well on track for its scheduled commissioning.
“Our target is to have the plant fully operational by December 2025. The raw material, coal, will be sourced from local producers, which provides a significant market for them. This project is not just about us—it’s about supporting the broader economy,” he said.
The company is primarily targeting the export market, with South Africa already placing substantial orders for Coke. This has fueled the investment, as the region’s growing demand for high-quality Coke creates a ripe opportunity for expansion.
“We have already secured major orders from South Africa and anticipate even more demand once we’re fully operational. At full capacity, we expect to employ over 100 people, including locals, contributing to the local economy,” Deng added.
Beyond coke production, the facility will generate valuable by-products from the coking process, such as coal tar, ammonia, and crude benzol. These materials can be further refined into critical industrial chemicals like benzene, toluene, and xylene, contributing to the country’s goal of developing a more diversified and self-sustaining chemical industry.
Zimbabwe’s policies under the Second Republic have been a driving force behind the attraction of foreign direct investment, with Zimbabwe International Coking Corporation’s project standing as a testament to the favourable business environment. The company’s investment underscores the country’s growing reputation as a destination for industrial development and promises to be a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s mineral value-addition initiatives.
