Zimbabwean mineral exporters are moving more freight through Maputo and Beira to avoid hold-ups at Beitbridge and Durban, according to Clara Sadomba, general manager marketing of Zimasco.Sinosteel-owned Zimasco is the largest integrated ferrochrome producer in Zimbabwe.According to a report on the company website, it is building four new ferrochrome smelting complexes with a capacity to produce 140 000 tons a year. The smelting complex will be built at Neta in Mberengwa in the Midlands province, and is a joint venture with Afrochine Smelting.The first furnace will be commissioned in 2021, followed by the commissioning of two furnaces in 2022 and the last in 2023.Volumes were down in 2020 due to low commodity prices in global markets, according to Sadomba.“This is clearly illustrated when you look at ferrochrome and chrome ore exports which were estimated to be down by more than 40% in 2020,” she said. “The (Covid-19) lockdown scenario still allowed for the movement of minerals by road and rail out of Zimbabwe, so the key factor that caused reduced volumes was the market.”
