Local chrome miners in Zimbabwe have raised concerns after Zimasco, a major smelting company, transferred mining operations from local subcontractors to Chinese investors without prior notice. These small-scale miners, who have been working with Zimasco since 2008, were abruptly informed of the contract terminations, which were communicated only by phone, sparking outrage over the lack of formal communication.
Zimasco justified its decision by citing power shortages and low international chrome prices, but miners argue that the company set unattainable production targets and undervalued their ore. Many local miners are now left with unsellable chrome due to the ongoing export ban, which further exacerbates their financial struggles.
The situation has drawn criticism for Zimasco’s favoring of Chinese miners, who now dominate the chrome sector, despite the export restrictions in place. The ban, introduced in 2022, aimed to boost domestic smelting capacity but has unintentionally harmed local miners, leaving them unable to compete.
Experts are calling for government intervention to address regulatory gaps in Zimbabwe’s chrome mining policies, urging the need for clearer legislation to protect the interests of local miners and ensure fair market practices.
Zimbabwe holds the world’s second-largest chrome ore reserves, crucial for ferrochrome production, which is vital in manufacturing stainless steel.
