Zimbabwe’s coal exports grew by 102% in the first eight months of the year, more than doubling compared to the same period in 2023. The data was released by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), the state entity responsible for marketing all minerals in the country, except gold and silver.
From January to August, industrial coal sales reached USD 14.4 million, up from USD 6.4 million in the same period last year. This marks a significant shift, as the country traditionally exported mainly higher-value coke products.
According to the MMCZ, rising demand has opened up new regional markets. “We are supplying industrial coal mainly to South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia,” said Linos Masimura, president of the Coal Producers Association, which represents local coal miners.
Despite strong growth, the sector faces serious infrastructure constraints. Producers rely almost exclusively on road transport, which is far more expensive than rail and reduces the competitiveness of Zimbabwean coal in international markets.
“In fact, we could produce ten times more than we currently do if it weren’t for logistical challenges,” stressed Masimura, highlighting the difficulties caused by the lack of adequate transport alternatives to move production. The country’s rail system is in a dilapidated state due to years of neglect and underinvestment, forcing miners to over-rely on trucks—overburdening national roads and significantly raising operating costs.
The rising cost of transport is reflected in the export price of coal, making the product less competitive. This reality prevents Zimbabwe from fully capitalizing on current demand and turning its potential into greater revenues.
The country, however, holds vast coal reserves, particularly in the Hwange region. Beyond providing export revenue, coal remains vital for domestic energy generation, as the main fuel for thermal power stations such as the Hwange Power Station, which supplies most of Zimbabwe’s electricity.
Source: Diário Económico
