Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has said Zimbabwe is open to welcoming investment in coal production from the United States, following Washington’s reversal of its long-standing opposition to fossil fuels.
The U.S. recently shifted its energy policy, seeking partnerships with African nations to boost coal production.
Speaking at the high-level Powering Africa Summit in Washington on Friday, Moyo encouraged the U.S. private sector to invest directly in Zimbabwe’s coal industry. He said:
<blockquote>
… our plea, again to the United States as Zimbabwe: release your private sector so that they can invest directly into Zimbabwe, and we have created an environment where they will earn money because their investment will be guaranteed.
</blockquote>
Moyo said Zimbabwe’s abundant coal and coalbed methane resources could also play a major role in supporting the agriculture industry. He said:
<blockquote>
Power generation could be one aspect. We are an agricultural country, we want our fertilisers, so (with) any investment in that coalbed methane gas, we could end up doing our fertilisers, which we are importing right now, and as a country that believes very strongly in agriculture, that would be a good investment.
So, coal with methane gas is abundant in most areas in Zimbabwe, in the north and in the south of Zimbabwe, like the Chiredzi area.
</blockquote>
He said Zimbabwe has opened its doors to independent power producers, allowing companies to use thermal power for their operations and contribute any surplus to the national grid.

Pindula News

Zimbabwe's Energy Minister, July Moyo, wants American companies to invest in Zimbabwe's coal industry because the United States is now supporting fossil fuels. He says the investment is guaranteed to make money. Zimbabwe has lots of coal and methane gas that can help with agriculture. The country can use these resources to make fertilizers instead of importing them. Moyo also said Zimbabwe is welcoming companies to use thermal power and share extra electricity with the country. Zimbabwe is asking for help from the U.S. private sector to boost the coal sector and support agriculture.

Energy Minister Moyo Encourages U.S. Private Sector To Invest In Zimbabwe's Coal Sector

Zimbabwe’s Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, has urged coal mining companies in Hwange to build power plants to use their large thermal coal stockpiles.
Thermal coal is collected during the process of mining for coking coal, which is found deeper underground. 
Extracting coking coal involves removing an upper layer of earth, followed by a thick layer of thermal coal, which makes up about 70% of the total deposits.
Minister Moyo is worried that these large piles of thermal coal could become a fire hazard. He suggested that the companies use this coal to produce electricity and reduce the risk.
Addressing delegates at the National Competitiveness Commission summit in Bulawayo last week, Minister Moyo said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/government-urges-investments-in-thermal-power-plants/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
(The companies) have piled a number of tonnes and tonnes of thermal coal. And we are now, as Government, urging them to say, you already have thermal coal, and it will become a hazard.
It will start causing fires. Why don’t you turn it and bring plants so that you can produce power. Because you already have sunk your money in the production of this coal, which was at the top.
And what we are calling upon them is (to say), why don’t you go the last step and produce thermal power from your coal?
</blockquote>
Minister Moyo also encouraged companies and households to generate their own electricity to ease the pressure on the national grid, as Zimbabwe is currently facing electricity shortages.

Zimbabwe's Energy Minister wants coal mining companies to build power plants to use up their extra coal. This coal is a fire hazard, so it's better to use it for making electricity. The Minister also wants people to make their own power to help with the electricity shortage. Hopefully, this will help make sure there is enough electricity for everyone in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Government Urges Coal Mining Firms To Build Power Plants

The Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, said that the government is engaging mining companies in Hwange following complaints from residents about air pollution in the area.
Residents of Ingagula have expressed concerns about excessive dust pollution from haulage trucks and coal mining activities, which they believe is contributing to respiratory diseases and other health issues.
Speaking to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/minister-moyo-were-working-to-reduce-hwange-pollution/">VicFallsLive</a>, Moyo said their engagements with Chinese mining companies have led to a reduction in pollution levels in the Deka River. He said:
<blockquote>
We are engaging stakeholder companies that are all operating in coal mining in Hwange, working in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency and Hwange Colliery, to address the issue of pollution.
We are trying our level best as Matabeleland North province government to address the issue of pollution in Hwange.
If you look closely now, the fluid that gets in the Deka river has been reduced. We have also tried to quell the pollution in the air and we a re still trying to address that.
</blockquote>
Bryn Chikumbo, a local councillor, has warned that the community is “sitting on a health time bomb” and has called for urgent action to address the pollution.
Coal mining and the resulting pollution can significantly affect the health and well-being of people living in mining areas in several ways
Dust from mining operations and coal combustion can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases.
Fine particles released into the air can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing cardiovascular diseases and exacerbating existing health conditions.
Runoff from mining sites can contaminate local water sources with heavy metals and other pollutants, impacting drinking water quality.
Consuming or using contaminated water can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, neurological disorders, and increased cancer risk.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is talking to coal miners in Hwange because people are worried about pollution. Residents say dust and coal mining are making them sick. The government is working with Chinese mining companies to reduce pollution in the Deka River. They are also trying to reduce pollution in the air. A local councillor is warning that the community's health is in danger. Pollution from coal mining can cause lung problems, heart diseases, contaminated water, and more health issues. The government is trying to fix these problems to keep people safe and healthy.

Government Engaging Coal Miners To Tackle Hwange Pollution - Minister Moyo

Zimbabwe is set to grant licences to investors in new coal-mining ventures to fire electricity power stations despite a push by the industrialised North to shift to cleaner energy sources.
The Kariba hydroelectric power station is currently generating a fraction of its installed capacity due to drought and as a result, Zimbabwe has to depend more on coal-fired power stations.
Responding to questions from the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200026708/abandoning-coal-will-backfire">Independent</a> on how Zimbabwe is dealing with pressure from organisations like the Group of Seven (G7), who are planning to phase out support for new investment in oil, gas and coal projects by the end of this year, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Gloria Magombo, said:
<blockquote>
We acknowledge that coal is a critical component of our energy mix. With droughts, coal (power stations) — especially Hwange — has been able to push 1 000MW.
It has been an anchor. We believe over time, we will continue to use coal. We also have our decarbonisation plans, which are within the 2050 horizon, which most countries have put in place.
I think this is a position, which is carried by most African countries that are using coal.
We are saying within this horizon of up to 2050, we will come up with a clear decarbonisation strategy, which will also consider how best we can convert carbon dioxide from our coal plants — either orchestrating it through carbon sinking, which is expensive, but also through planting more forests to absorb that carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
The idea is to be net zero, not to totally eliminate the use of coal.
</blockquote>
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fuel, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions which have been linked to climate change.
Over the past few decades, there has been a push for the adoption of renewable energy options, such as solar and wind which are more cost-effective and sustainable for electricity generation. Added Magombo:
<blockquote>
It is not all gloom with regard to coal. If you look at most of the renewable energy programmes, there is always a push for carbon capture and carbon sequestration as an area of serious innovation.
Some of these countries, which have already stopped the use of coal, exhausted their coal reserves.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Zimbabwe Will Not Totally Eliminate Use Of Coal"

South Mining Mutagech, a company involved in the extraction of coal in Hwange, has reportedly fired 25 of its employees after they asked for protective equipment.
Solidarity Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Prince Mpala told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200013810/workers-dismissed-for-demanding-protective-clothing">Southern Eye</a> that the workers were fired last week on Thursday. He said:
<blockquote>
South Mining Mutagech (Hwange) dismissed employees after they demanded proper protective equipment/clothing.
Twenty-five employees (were) dismissed by a Chinese supervisor while others were reinstated.
The Labour Act is very clear, thus section 104(4a). We are taking this matter to the National Employment Council for the mining industry in Bulawayo.
</blockquote>
Mpala said the law allows workers to resort to collective job action, noting that subject to this Act, all employees, workers committees and trade unions have the right to resort to strike action to resolve disputes.
He also said mine supervisor David Wang asked him (Mpala) to visit the mine to understand what is happening.
Wang claimed that the workers were refusing to work so they had to be dismissed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Coal Mine Workers Fired For Asking For Protective Clothing

Residents of Hwange and surrounding communities have implored Parliament to enact laws that compel Chinese coal mining companies operating in the area to desist from environmental degradation and respect labour laws.
There are more than 10 mining companies mining and processing coal in Hwange.
Speaking at a consultative meeting conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development in Hwange, residents urged the government to protect local people and the environment, reported CITE.
Local communities raised a number of issues they want to be addressed, among them, environmental degradation, pollution, failure by mining companies to plough back to the community, destruction of infrastructure such as roads, exploitation and victimisation of labour.
Parliament is consulting citizens towards crafting a Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill that seeks to shape the future of mining activities in the country.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hwange Community Pleads For Protection From Chinese Miners

ZESA’s failure to pay coal producers on time has “heavily incapacitated” them as they can no longer have working capital.
ZESA’s four thermal power stations, Hwange, Harare, Munyati, and Bulawayo are not operating at full capacity due to coal shortages.
According to Coal Producers Association (CPA) chairman Linos Masimura who is also the managing director of Zambezi Gas, the miners had become so incapacitated “to even fail to load the trucks.”
Three companies namely Zambezi Gas, Turbo Mine, which is mining in Hwange western areas, and Hwange Colliery Company Ltd are supplying coal to thermal plants. Said Masimura:
<blockquote>
We haven’t been paid for four or so months and the viability of producers is now severely eroded; they (ZESA) have basically taken all our working capital.
</blockquote>
Masimura said coal miners were capable of supplying ZESA’s coal requirements for all plants. He said:
<blockquote>
But it is now a matter of them paying and collecting. They are collecting revenue from their consumers but they are not paying us. Why?
</blockquote>
In an interview with Business Weekly, ZESA executive chairman Sydney Gata confirmed owing the coal miners. He said:
<blockquote>
At all times, there is always a balance to be paid but the problem with some of the coal producers is that they can’t even wait for two weeks to get paid.
</blockquote>
With Hwange Unit 7 expected to come online in the next few weeks, according to official timelines, concerns have been raised over the adequate availability of coal.
Masumura complained that contracts to supply coal for Unit 7 were awarded only to two companies, namely Turbo mine, linked to businessman Billy Rautenbach and Hwange Colliery Company Ltd. He said:
<blockquote>
Some of our members had expanded capacity in preparation for units seven and eight but sadly, only two producers were awarded the contracts.
We formally raised the dangers of risk concentration, especially when dealing with a project of national significance.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Makomo Resources, which is now the country’s largest coal miner, is facing serious viability challenges and is under corporate rescue. | <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/electricity-waiting-for-the-rains/">Business Weekly</a>

ZESA Fails To Pay Coal Suppliers

Alisha Sekina Muzvite, an eight-year-old Hwange girl who has been battling for life at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after being burnt by underground fires has died.
She died only days after doctors had amputated her both legs to minimize the effects of the injuries.
She suffered third-degree fire burns when she was literally swallowed waist-deep by a fire hole at an old dump site in Makwika village, Hwange about three weeks ago.
Alisha had gone to relieve herself and was in the company of her aunty when the incident occurred around 4 pm.
Her mother Ms Ethel Ncube confirmed that Alisha passed on at Mpilo on Monday night. She said:
<blockquote>
She died last night just before 10 pm. They cut both her legs last Wednesday as doctors said the injuries were third-degree as the fire had damaged her legs. On Friday she looked coping as she was talking. They gave her blood transfusion and her body started swelling and her condition continued to deteriorate. 
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Greater Whange Residents Trust condemn the increase of cases of burnt children at dumpsites saying it appears Hwange Colliery Company is not doing enough to address these issues.
The Trust said it will approach the company, EMA and government so that they address these issues. 
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/latest-hwange-underground-fire-victim-dies/">The Chronicle</a>

UPDATE: Hwange Girl Who Was Burnt By Underground Fire Dies

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it is investigating the shooting incident in which two women in Hwange were hit by stray bullets fired by police officers during a raid on informal coal traders.
In a statement on Monday National Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they will conduct thorough investigations in the matter. He said:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Republic Police assures the public that investigations are being conducted in connection with the unfortunate shooting incident, which occurred in Hwange on August 22, 2020.
The incident resulted in the injury of Zulani Mudenda and Twabona Nyoni after police reacted to a report of theft at Hwange Colliery Company’s main plant.
Police will conduct comprehensive investigations with a view to establishing what actually transpired between the truck driver, McDonald Mpongweni and the police officer leading to the sad scuffle.</blockquote>
The two police shooting victims, Mudenda (46) and Nyoni (25) are neighbours and residents of Madumabisa Village in the coal-mining town.
Reports indicate that Mudenda was shot in the abdomen soon after she came out of the bathroom while Nyoni was hit on the breast.
Mudenda is admitted to St Patrick’s Hospital in Hwange while Nyoni is admitted to United Bulawayo Hospitals and both are reported to be in a critical condition.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/police-probe-hwange-shooting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

ZRP Probes Shooting Of Two Hwange Women By Police Officer

Zimbabwe’s three major coal mining miners, Hwange Colliery, which is the country’s oldest coal producer, Makomo Resources and Zambezi Gas have threatened to cut off the supply of the fossil fuel to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Power_Company" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC)</a> for its failure to pays its debt estimated to be over ZWL$68 million.
Coal producers Association chairman, Raymond Mutokonyi, told Business Times on Friday that they could not continue to supply coal without being paid money owed by the beleaguered power utility. He said:
<blockquote><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZESA</a> owes us over ZWL$68m after we provided the resource to various thermal stations for electricity generation.</blockquote>
If the three companies were to make good their threats, the power crisis in the country will go to another level as ZESA is currently implementing 18-hour power cuts due to depressed generation at its ageing power plants and drought-stricken Kariba Hydro.
Zimbabwe has four coal-powered power plants; <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hwange" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hwange</a>, Bulawayo, Munyati and Harare.
<h4>More:<a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/coal-miners-threaten-to-cut-off-zesa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Business Times</a></h4>

ZESA Threatened With Suspension Of Coal Supplies

Coal producers say that they are left with only 12 days’ stockpiles of coal due to challenges in acquiring diesel to run their machines. The development could worsen the already precarious electricity situation currently obtaining in the country.
The four coal producers in Zimbabwe are Makomo Resources, Hwange Colliery Company, Zambezi Gas and Garlpex.
Speaking to Business Times recently, Makomo Resources director Raymond Mutokonyi revealed that they are now forced to operate four times a week. He said:
<blockquote>Due to crippling fuel shortages, we are now forced to operate four times a week.
Most of our machines including excavators require diesel to function.
If we have a situation whereby the liquid commodity is in short supply, we cannot continue with operations.
All combined coal miners are left with coal stockpile of around 12 days making it difficult to produce more electricity in the coming weeks.
If the diesel situation persists we are rushing to stage four of load-shedding.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has five thermal power stations. These are Hwange, Munyati, Bulawayo, Harare and Mutare.
<h4>More:<a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/panic-grips-eds-cabinet/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Business Times</a></h4>

Miners Left With Only 12 Days' Supply Of Coal

<a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Makomo Resources" target="_blank">Makomo Resources</a>, Zimbabwe’s largest coal miner made history by becoming the first company based in southern Africa to land a contract to export fuels for steel making to Europe.  Makomo Resources is supposed to supply  15 000 metric tonnes  that will be shipped in December.
Makomo Resources Ltd.  Finance Director Tendai Mungoni said:
<blockquote>The inquiries we’ve had are as a result of the recovery in coal prices internationally and to date, we’ve had two firm orders from Europe</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.financialgazette.co.zw/zimbabwes-biggest-coal-miner-gets-orders-for-fuel-from-europe/" target="_blank">Financial Gazette</a>

Zimbabwe's largest coal miner gets massive orders from Europe

Mines and Mining Development Minister <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Walter_Chidhakwa" target="_blank">Walter Chidhakwa</a> confirmed that 85 firms have applied for coal mining concessions in <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Matabeleland_North_Province" target="_blank">Matebeleland North</a>.  However, the minister also stated that it was not feasible to grant licences to all 85 firms due to concerns on environmental degradation.
The Minister said:
<blockquote>I have 85 applications for coal mining in Matebeleland North Province.  How do you manage that…it’s not just conceivable.</blockquote>
Matebeleland North Province is said to have the largest coal deposits in the country, with some of the deposits under the <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Hwange_National_Park" target="_blank">Hwange National Park</a>.
 
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/85-firms-apply-for-mining-licences/" target="_blank">Herald</a>

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