BEITBRIDGE – The US$3.6 billion Palm River Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Beitbridge is emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s most ambitious industrial projects, with more than 1,400 locals already employed and key production facilities coming online.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu visited the site earlier this week to assess progress at the Chinese-run development, which is operated by Shanzi Xin Gang Nian Metallurgical Group. Construction began in February 2024 and is being rolled out in five phases over 12 years.
Phase one complete with power and ferrochrome online
Palm River Chief Executive Officer Yangtung Zhao confirmed that phase one, costing US$300 million, is now complete. A 100-megawatt coal-fired power station is fully operational, supplying energy to the zone and surrounding areas. The ferrochrome processing plant has reached an annual capacity of 200,000 tonnes, while a third smelting furnace – a 63,000 kVA direct current unit – has been commissioned and is described as one of the largest and most advanced of its kind in Africa.
Fertiliser plant to end imports
The next major milestone is a chemical plant expected to be commissioned in August 2027. It will produce urea and nitrates, which Zhao said would meet Zimbabwe’s entire agricultural fertiliser requirements and eliminate reliance on imports.
“The zone currently employs over 1,400 Zimbabweans, with more than 800 from the local area. Our local workforce are hard workers and fast learners of new skills and technologies,” Zhao said.
Government sees investment dividend
Minister Ndlovu described the SEZ as clear evidence of the favourable investment climate being fostered under the Second Republic’s economic policies.
“This park is a clear demonstration of the investment opportunities that exist in Zimbabwe. It shows that with the right policies, we can attract mega-projects that create jobs and transform entire communities,” he said.
Palm River is expected to house cement and fertiliser manufacturing facilities alongside the existing coking and ferrochrome operations, positioning Beitbridge as a strategic industrial hub for the region.