PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially commissioned the Zimplats smelter expansion project and a 35-megawatt solar plant at the entity’s Selous metallurgical complex.
These two projects will see the enhancement of operations at the mining entity, whose focus is on the platinum group of minerals (PGMs).
The two projects commissioned in Selous this Wednesday are a culmination of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which Zimplats and the government signed a couple of years ago for the implementation of the US$1.8 billion expansion programme over a 10-year period from 2021 to 2031.
The smelter expansion project, which was completed in December 2024, was built at a cost of US$360 million and will triple the mine’s production capacity.
On the other hand, the solar plant, which sits in an area spanning 106 hectares, will power operations at the mine.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the two projects are a remarkable milestone in Zimbabwe’s quest for industrialisation, while also stressing the importance of synergies in the quest for national development.
“These developments are a remarkable milestone in Zimbabwe’s quest for industrial advancement, energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. This is demonstrative of ZIMPLATS’ assurance to remain a strategic partner in our ongoing industrialisation journey, towards Vision 2030.
“The two projects of this nature are an example of the highly impactful results our country can achieve through the strong collaboration and unity of purpose among the government, industry and communities. Synergies must be the norm across all sectors and lead to tangible economic benefits, including jobs, foreign currency savings, fiscal contributions and the accelerated adoption of green and clean energy. I congratulate ZIMPLATS for being a trailblazer in this respect,” he said.
President Mnangagwa brought attention to the importance of platinum on the global scene, applauding the well-coordination of the sub-sector in the country.
“With Zimbabwe, being among the top countries with large reserves of platinum, it is commendable that the sub-sector is well-coordinated with clear and achievable benchmarks for success. This has seen the sector grow in line with my government’s vision, anchored mainly on exploration, the opening of new mines and expansion of existing projects,” he said.
The Head of State also stressed the importance of ensuring that benefits from mining operations cascade to the grassroots.
He also emphasised the need for Zimbabweans in various sectors of the economy to work on building a legacy that will benefit future generations: “The generation that will come after us should be able to thank us for creating a legacy that will benefit generations to come.”
Zimbabwe’s mining sector is key in the country’s economy as it is among the top performers and contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
