WASHINGTON: Matabeleland North-based Zambezi Gas has started exporting to Zambia and targets volumes of about 10 000 tonnes of coal per month. Zambezi Gas chief executive officer Mr Thomas Nherera said the exports follow the successful conclusion of a deal with a cement manufacturing firm in the neighbouring country.
“We’ve sealed an export deal with a cement manufacturing plant which for now I can’t disclose because there are certain confidentialities that we’ve to maintain until a certain point. “We’re starting by exporting 1 000 tonnes of coal peas and nuts per month. And going forward that figure will be improved to between 5 000 and 10 000 tonnes a month,” he said.
Early this year, Zambezi Gas was producing 20 000 tonnes of coal per month and had targeted to increase output to 50 000 tonnes upon installation of a $15 million coal processing plant. Mr Nherera said the plan to install the equipment fell by the way side due to funding challenges resulting in the colliery company engaging a local contractor, Rockdrill, to undertake mining and coal processing activities complimenting Zambezi Gas operations.
