US$12 Million Ferrochrome Plant Nears Completion, Driving Industrial Growth
KWEKWE – A chrome smelting plant in Kwekwe is set to commence operations following the successful completion of the first phase of a US$12 million ferrochrome project by Global Union Alloy.
The development marks a milestone in Zimbabwe’s push for industrialization and mineral beneficiation under the Second Republic.
The plant, located in Midlands Province, has installed two blast furnaces, with an additional three scheduled in later phases.
The facility is expected to be operational by August, reinforcing Midlands’ role as a key industrial hub.
Mr. Kudakwashe Chitakure, Manager at Global Union Alloy, expressed confidence in the progress and readiness of the project.
“We are pleased with the advancements made in setting up this plant. The two blast furnaces are now complete, and we are finalizing power connections.
“By next month, we will be ready. Currently, we employ 105 workers, but this figure will rise to 515 upon full completion. At peak production, each furnace will yield 35 tonnes of ferrochrome daily,” he said.
The Government has welcomed the project, citing its alignment with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the broader Vision 2030 economic goals.
Honourable Owen Ncube, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, applauded the investment for its impact on economic transformation.
“We appreciate Global Union Alloy’s initiative in supporting the Second Republic’s push to maximize mineral value addition.
“This project will boost provincial and national GDP, create employment, generate foreign currency, and facilitate technology transfer—all crucial pillars of our economic agenda,” he said.
The new smelting facility is expected to play a key role in chrome beneficiation, reinforcing Midlands Province’s status as a strategic industrial hub in Zimbabwe’s growing economy.
-ZBC
