Zimbabwe Pushes Chrome Beneficiation as Africa Chromium Week Opens

Zimbabwe has intensified its push for value addition in the mining sector, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga calling for increased investment, technology transfer and long-term partnerships at the official opening of Africa Chromium Week 2026 in Victoria Falls.

Speaking on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vice President Chiwenga said Zimbabwe’s selection to host the event by the International Chromium Development Association reflects growing global confidence in the country’s chrome sector and its industrialisation agenda.

He urged stakeholders to respond decisively by investing across the chrome value chain.

VP Chiwenga highlighted Zimbabwe’s rising global standing, noting that the country now ranks fourth in chromite production and sixth in high-carbon ferrochrome.

Ferrochrome exports reached 433,000 metric tonnes in 2025, a 19 percent increase, supported by 17 operational smelters and major projects such as the US$3.6 billion Palm River Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone and the expanding Manhize Steel Plant.

He also underscored a major policy shift introduced in February 2026 banning the export of raw and semi-processed minerals, including chrome, lithium and platinum group metals. The move aims to accelerate domestic beneficiation.