African Chrome Fields (ACF), Zimbabwe’s leading chrome mining company, has revealed its ambitious plans to capture up to 25% of the global market for high-grade chrome concentrate by the end of 2026.
Currently, ACF operates six spiral wash plants in the Midlands Province, specifically in the Ngezi, Lalapanzi, and Chinyikwa areas.
“Our aim is to establish ACF as a significant player in the global chrome sector, showcasing Zimbabwe as a source of high-quality chrome concentrate and enhancing its reputation for resource development,” stated ACF chairman and country representative Mr. Zunaid Moti.
The company’s wash plants utilize a combination of gravity and water, employing an environmentally friendly method that avoids chemicals and supports land rehabilitation initiatives.
These plants produce approximately 30,000 tonnes of high-grade chromium concentrate each month, which is essential for creating ferroalloy used in high-grade stainless steel production.
Additionally, ACF anticipates contributing over US$40 million in revenue to Zimbabwe’s treasury this year.
Looking ahead, ACF plans substantial investments to boost its production capacity, aiming to increase monthly output to between 50,000 and 60,000 tonnes, with a target of reaching 800,000 tonnes annually by the end of 2030.
To achieve this, the company intends to expand its number of wash plants to eight within the next 18 months, relocating three plants to Lalapanzi and one to Ngezi.
By the end of next year, ACF predicts that its efforts will elevate annual foreign exchange revenue for Zimbabwe to US$100 million, gradually increasing to over US$150 million by 2030.
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The company also aims to create more job opportunities and develop infrastructure, which will positively affect more than 8,500 community members, both directly and indirectly.
“Our plans reflect our confidence in the quality and global competitiveness of our products, as well as our belief in Zimbabwe’s potential. We are proud to represent Zimbabwe internationally and to contribute to its development through infrastructure that promotes sustainable growth and job creation,” said Mr. Moti.
Moreover, ACF is innovating its beneficiation processes to produce a low-silica variant of chrome, using specialized hydrosisers to reduce silica levels and achieve over 50% chrome content.
This niche product could be used as a chemical-grade material, competing with foundry sand and offering improved durability for refractory linings in smelting processes for high-grade, ultra-low carbon ferrochrome.
Simultaneously, ACF’s aluminothermic facility is steadily increasing its production of ultra-low carbon, high-grade ferrochrome for leading clients in the aeronautical engineering field—a product currently only manufactured by one other competitor globally.
“Our objective is to enhance Zimbabwe’s mining capabilities for global competition and gain recognition for the technological advancements and innovations we bring to the industry.
“ACF has built a reputation for quality, and through ongoing investments in our operations and new innovations, we aim to be at the forefront of the mining sector,” he added.
