HWANGE Colliery has invested over US$3 million in a new coal wash plant as the company seeks to improve efficiency and production.
A coal wash plant plays a critical role in the coal mining process by removing impurities such as rock, clay, and other minerals, resulting in a higher-grade coal product with improved energy content. This not only boosts market value but also reduces emissions of pollutants such as ash and sulphur dioxide when the coal is burned, making the process more environmentally friendly.
Hwange Colliery Company Limited Managing Director, Engineer William Gambiza, explained the significance of the project.
“We have the 3.2 washplant. It’s a project that has allowed us to diversify our portfolio. Now we can produce a washed product, it’s a high-value product and other than that it’s a project which gives us capacity also to deal with some of the financial issues because our cashflow position improves due to this product,’ he said.
The government placed the company under administration to revitalise its operations, with reconstruction efforts enabling improved productivity and ensuring adequate coal supplies for the local and export markets.
As the major shareholder, the government invested US$22 million in a major pipeline project incorporating different strategies to restore production.
