Zim lifts ban on chrome exports | Weekday Top Stories

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Zim lifts ban on chrome exports

Written by Staff reporter

Wednesday, 04 November 2009 14:11

HARARE - The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has lifted the ban on export of chrome ore and chrome fines. In a statement, the company said the lifting of the ban would be effective from November 1 for a period of 18 months.
The government first considered banning raw chrome exports around 2007 in an attempt to encourage local value addition to the mineral. The ban was briefly lifted last year but soon re introduced. "The move was meant to encourage value addition, but it did not yield the required results as Zimbabwe still has a big market for raw chrome," said Mines Minister, Obert Mpofu.
MMCZ has called on all producers of chrome fines to approach the Corporation for further details on the implementation of this new dispensation and other mineral accounting procedures.
Some companies have resumed the smelting of chromite ore to ferro chrome.
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. Mining is, however, now through underground methods at three properties, namely Railway Block, Peak and Small mines.

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