By Evans Dakwa
The Tsingshan-owned Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) is not only positioning itself as a vital cog within Zimbabwe’s economic ecosystem but is also walking the talk on environmental preservation by championing environmentally responsible mining and steel production.
With the mining industry booming, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been on record urging investors in the sector to prioritize the environment in their work, and the powers that be at Disco have responded accordingly.
Mining and the establishment of such a giant steel factory comes with its fair share of destruction to the environment, and Disco has already begun implementing a land restoration and filling program meant to reduce the impact of the company’s operations on the ground.
Furthermore, a 20MW power station that utilizes gas emissions from the blast furnace to power it is 99% complete. The plant ensures that Dinson is not emitting toxic gases into the atmosphere, a plausible effort in an era where climate change is wreaking havoc and calls to reduce gas emissions have been loud.
Speaking during a media tour meant to familiarise and update members of the fourth estate on developments at the giant steel company, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, hailed Disco for its holistic mining and steel production that prioritizes not only the economic aspect but also the social side, especially for people from their operating area.
“The majority of the youth (in the Nyika Vanhu ward) have been employed, and at the same time, human capital development is taking place within all the integrated steel works, including the rolling mills plant we have just witnessed,” said Minister Muswere.
“The majority of employees are Zimbabwean, and at the same time, issues relating to CSR (corporate social responsibility) and social equity have been addressed. The relocation of families within this geographic area has been done extremely well, with the building of modern houses and power units within the particular ward.”
The operationalisation of Disco has moved with speed since the groundbreaking ceremony by President Mnangagwa in October 2022, with the company already producing 600MT of iron and steel per annum, having an operational 50MW power station that makes it energy sufficient, and a further eco-friendly 20MW on the verge of being switched on.
With the country experiencing a construction boom and infrastructure rehabilitation programs across the country, Disco is set to be a major player, meeting the country’s iron and steel requirements per annum, significantly reducing Harare’s import bill, and increasing export receipts.
The giant entity recently received Special Economic Zone status, and the award is envisaged to turn Manhize area into an industrial park as industries take advantage of the favorable and magnetic environment that comes with an SEZ.
