Peter Moyo
As the New Year dawns, William Gambiza, CEO of Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL), has laid out an ambitious blueprint for the company, combining operational recovery with a focus on sustainability and community empowerment.
In a statement, Gambiza detailed HCCL’s ongoing restructuring, monthly target achievements, and key partnerships, signaling a year of potential growth and strategic advancements for one of Zimbabwe’s coal sector leaders.
Hwange Colliery Company Limited, established in 1899, is a pivotal entity in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, particularly in Hwange, Matabeleland North. HCCL is a significant employer and community pillar, providing jobs to thousands and supporting ancillary industries. It operates both open-cast and underground mines, supplying coal to Zimbabwe’s largest power station in Hwange, which is crucial for the nation’s electricity supply.
HCCL also extends its influence regionally, exporting coal to neighboring countries like Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa, thus playing a vital role in the regional energy economy.
Gambiza emphasized the company’s progress in its reconstruction efforts, stating, “The scheme of reconstruction to me is the short-term plan. Obviously, we do have goals that we intend to see happening.” He highlighted how HCCL has been meeting its monthly targets as part of a broader business improvement plan aimed at de-risking the company’s operations.
The CEO also announced HCCL’s diversification into agriculture, establishing the Hwange-Zambezi Agricultural Company to foster community empowerment. “We have opened the Hwange-Zambezi Agricultural Company to empower communities through strategic partnerships,” Gambiza noted, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development beyond coal mining.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations were also central to Gambiza’s message. He stressed, “To create long-term shareholder value, long-term sustainable value, ESG issues must be considered right from the onset,” indicating HCCL’s alignment with global sustainability trends.
A significant aspect of HCCL’s strategy includes a US$50 million joint venture with a Chinese investor for a new underground coal mine. This partnership is set to produce 1.2 million tonnes of coal annually, demonstrating HCCL’s intent to boost production capacity through international collaboration and technological advancement.
Gambiza’s vision for 2025 encapsulates a blend of operational efficiency, community focus, and sustainable practices, setting a tone of cautious optimism for HCCL’s future. His New Year’s message not only reflects on the past achievements but also charts a course for the company’s evolution in the coming year, reaffirming its importance to Hwange, Zimbabwe, and the broader region.
