By Elvis Dumba
Selous- As the country hosts the world to protect the environment through wetlands protection, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for the adoption of green energy for sustainable development
The President said this when he officially commissioned ZimPlats‘ expanded 38MW smelter and the first phase of 185MW solar energy project in Selous, describing the developments as a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of industrialisation, clean energy and economic transformation.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the Selous Metallurgical Complex on Wednesday afternoon, President Mnangagwa hailed Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats) for its strategic investments under its US$1.8 billion Expansion Programme.
“It is with great pride and joy that I join you today for the commissioning of two important expansion projects by Zimbabwe Platinum Mines. These developments are a remarkable milestone in Zimbabwe’s quest for industrial advancement, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability,” said Mnangagwa.
The newly commissioned 38MW furnace will triple Zimplats’ smelting capacity to 380,000 tonnes of concentrate annually, while the 35MW solar plant costing US$37 million will supply 8% of the company’s power needs.
“This US$398 million investment will allow Zimplats to toll-refine concentrate and position itself as a regional leader in platinum processing. The project created over 1,600 jobs at its peak, contributing not only to employment but also knowledge transfer and skills development-especially for young artisans,” he said.
He said green energy technologies will go a long way in keeping the environment clean.
“This is a clear indication that embracing green technologies is both an environmental imperative and also a smart economic decision. The subsequent phases will increase Zimplats’ solar power capacity to 185MW, enhancing energy security while reducing its carbon footprint,” he said.
President Mnangagwa, who also handed over community ownership trust certificates to the communities in areas where Zimplats has operations, highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of the investment for the 23 SMEs recipients.
“Zimplats’ ongoing empowerment program, approved by my Government, resonates well with our strategic intent to uplift rural communities,” he said.
He called for greater synergy between government, industry, and communities.
“The commissioning of the 38MW smelter and the 35MW solar plant embodies the vision of an industrialised Zimbabwe powered by sustainable energy. Let us continue to build a prosperous, energy-secure, and environmentally sustainable Zimbabwe for generations to come.” Mnangagwa said
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said the province continues to enjoy the benefits of such investments
“Mashonaland West continues to benefit immensely from such strategic investments. The projects align directly to the aspirations of the country espoused in the National Development Strategy and Vision 2030. As the province, we are proud to be playing our part in achieving these national goals through these initiatives,” she said.
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