Mpofu said some companies had resumed smelting. We are engaged with chrome ore exporters to ensure that they process their chrome to ferro chrome before exporting it. However, companies like the Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company (ZIMASCO) and ZimAlloys have already started smelting chrome, Mpofu said.
The Government is also seeking to promote small scale chrome miners to set up more smelters around the country while imposing a total ban on the export of chrome without value addition. There are many buyers in South Africa, China and Europe willing to buy stock piles which have accumulated since the ban.
Chrome mining is undertaken in Shurugwi, Mutorashanga, Lalapanzi and Guinea Fowl with the smelting being done in Kwekwe. Chrome mining in Shurugwi (formerly Selukwe) started as open cast workings in 1905. However, currently mining is by underground methods at three properties, namely Railway Block, Peak and Small mines.