Ishemunyoro Chingwere – Business Reporter
Yangshen Mining Company
Tombstone Prices in Harare might be dropping soon! A black granite mining concern, Yangshen Mining Company, has committed to set up a granite factory in Mashonaland East province. The setting up of the factory is in line with the Government’s strategy to maximize on value addition before exports. The Chinese company has been mining the black granite in the Mutawatawa area for the past two years. It has been hugely impressed by the quality of the rock being recovered.
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando, toured the mine yesterday. He was in the company of Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Minister, Apolonia Munzverengwi, on a familiarisation visit. He said local beneficiation will see black granite exports surging from less than US$100 million to over US$500 million annually.
Granite in Zimbabwe
“Black granite in Zimbabwe should generate in excess of US$500 million by the year 2023,” said Minister Chitando. As directed by His Excellency, we would like to see the decentralized investment into cutting and polishing. We don’t want the factory to be set up in Harare. What we have seen here is a very good black granite rock. There is a very good ore body. The technology to extract it from the ground is also very good and modern,” he said.
Yangshen Mine manager Simbarashe Makozi, said the miner stands to benefit more if it beneficiates locally. He said the mining concern expects the factory to be up and running in six months. “We are aware of the Government’s drive to beneficiate locally. The company is ready to set up the factory,” said Mr Makozi. “We are looking forward to having the factory up and running in about six months. In terms of profits, it will also save us well because it will severely reduce our transport costs. We stand to get more money from selling finished products,” he said.
Meanwhile, the company has suspended operations so it can comply with its own EIA in consultation with EMA. Operations are, however, expected to resume next week. Many granite mining companies have been transporting the rock to Harare. They then ship to the overseas market in its raw state. Besides suffering financial prejudice, there has been serious infrastructure decay as the huge overloaded trucks damaged the country’s roads. There is no railway line linking Harare and Mutoko.
Note:
Almodine Homes & Monuments has adopted this article to be part of its blog compilation. As a direct result of this establishment in Mash East, tombstone prices up in Harare might eventually drop in the long run. This means that our beloved clients end up saving more! Check out our Facebook page for more content from us.
