MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-JinAn’s Group solar power project at its subsidiaryrg, Almid Investment, is expected to boost ferrochrome production and create jobs by reducing the company’s exposure to electricity shortages, finance manager Munyaradzi Matanyaire said.
The 20-megawatt project is about 60% complete and is expected to be commissioned by the end of September.
It will supplement power from the national grid and support the company’s five furnaces, which require about 50MW to operate at full capacity.
“Reliable power is critical to keeping the furnaces running consistently. Any interruption affects production and increases operating costs,” Matanyaire said.
Major equipment is being transported to the site for final installation, while transmission equipment will connect the solar plant to the furnaces, he said.
JinAn employs between 650 and 750 workers, depending on production levels.
Matanyaire said improved power availability could allow all five furnaces to operate at full capacity, supporting higher output and employment.
At full production, JinAn can produce about 6,000 tonnes of ferrochrome a month, with annual turnover expected to reach between US$32 million and US$36 million, he said.
The company is also considering a longer-term expansion of its power generation capacity through a planned 100MW thermal power plant in Gweru, which Matanyaire said would cost about US$130 million.
“We have plans to construct a thermal power plant which will generate 100MW at a cost of US$130 million,” he said.
The investment comes as power shortages continue to constrain mining and mineral processing in Zimbabwe, where ferrochrome production requires a stable electricity supply.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda said the development of private power-generation capacity by major industrial users would strengthen energy security and free electricity from the national grid for other economic activities.
“Energy is one of those Vision 2030 enablers. So, when they develop their own plants, it means the capacity they are currently drawing from the grid will be released for other economic uses,” Soda said during his recent visit to the company.
Ferrochrome, an alloy used in stainless steel production, is one of Zimbabwe’s key mineral exports.
JinAn exports all its ferrochrome production to China, according to Matanyaire.
The solar project also supports government efforts to expand mineral beneficiation and renewable energy use.
The solar plant will supplement power from the national grid, reducing JinAn’s exposure to power disruptions and easing demand on the national system.
