CHINA Africa Sunlight Energy (CASE) announced its intention to begin construction of a coal mine in Zimbabwe early next year. The new facility will be located near the Gwaya River. The company said that preparatory work will begin immediately after receiving a building permit from the Ministry of the Environment of this African country.
CHINA Africa Sunlight Energy is a joint venture between Old Stone Investments from Zimbabwe and China's Shandong Taishan Sunlight. The joint venture intends to invest $ 2.1 billion by 2016 in the development of underground coal mines and the construction of a 2,100-megawatt coal-fired power plant.
The production of these facilities will be aimed at meeting the needs of the national power grid of Zimbabwe.
“As of today, we are awaiting certification from the Ministry of the Environment and as soon as we receive permission, we will begin preparations for construction early next year,” said CASE CEO Charles Mugari.
"Drilling work will take about 15 months, and actual production will begin in June 2015"
At the same time, the construction of the mine raises concerns due to the fact that its activities may negatively affect the construction and operation of the Shangani Dam on the Gwaiya River, from which water also enters the water supply system of the large city of Bulawayo.
Charles Mugari also added that his company will consider investing in a local fertilizer plant, brick and coke plant, the latter producing coke necessary for steel smelting.
CASE acquired the coal mining rights last year and has spent about $ 20 million on exploration for mineral deposits. Within the framework of this project, it is planned to create at least 4500 jobs.
