Zimbabwe targets beneficiating aluminium

The Zimbabwean government aims to boost lightweight metal production through aluminium beneficiation to meet rising industrial demand. Aluminium is essential in various sectors, including aerospace engineering, food packaging, household appliances, and electrical conductors, where it is increasingly replacing copper conductors.

Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, currently visiting Tajikistan, announced this initiative after touring the Tajik Aluminium Company (TALCO), a major player in Tajikistan's industry with an annual production capacity of over 500,000 tonnes. Dr. Chiwenga expressed interest in establishing similar processing plants in Zimbabwe and highlighted the potential for economic collaboration between Zimbabwe and Tajikistan.

At home, Zimbabwe has CAFCA, a company producing electrical cables from aluminium. Dr. Chiwenga emphasized the need to scale up aluminium production in Zimbabwe to match TALCO's capabilities. He invited TALCO to partner with local companies to share expertise and develop the industry further.

During his visit, Dr. Chiwenga also met with Tajikistan's Minister of Industry and New Technologies, Mr. Sherali Kabir, to discuss potential areas of collaboration. Minister Kabir expressed readiness to cooperate in Zimbabwe's mining sector and highlighted the technological, human, and financial resources available from Tajik companies, which could benefit both countries.

The visit and discussions mark a step towards strengthening industrial ties and leveraging Tajikistan's advanced aluminium production capabilities to enhance Zimbabwe's lightweight metal industry.