Dorowa Mine Set for Full Production by March 2026, Says MIF

The government, through the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), has invested US$5.3 million to restart operations at Dorowa Mine, aiming to boost local fertiliser production, cut reliance on imports, and provide farmers with safer, more affordable products.

An additional US$11 million is expected to be released to enable the mine to reach full production by March 2026, targeting an annual output of 150,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate.

The announcement was made by Tatenda Chimusoro, Head of Investments for Agriculture and Industrials at MIF, during a tour of fertiliser companies conducted by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce on Tuesday.

“MIF is focused on reviving struggling state-owned enterprises through profit-driven loans that strengthen value chains. The Dorowa project will enable the mine to reach its full potential and supply phosphates for local fertiliser blending, meeting farmers’ demands,” Chimusoro said.

Silinos Mapfumo, a ZimPhos board member, told the committee that phosphates mined at Dorowa are processed into NPK basal fertilisers used during planting, ensuring high-quality products are available nationwide.

Committee chairperson Clemence Chiduwa said the visit was vital for understanding Zimbabwe’s domestic fertiliser value chain. “It is critical to see how local production can meet farmers’ needs, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports,” he said.

Mapfumo added that the fertiliser sector is a priority under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), noting that the government already holds a significant stake in the industry through MIF, with management by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDCZ).

Zimbabwe currently imports a large portion of its fertiliser, often at higher costs and with risks of contamination from substances like cadmium and lead. The Dorowa Mine revival is expected to lower prices, create jobs, and strengthen agricultural output.

Chimusoro emphasised that the fund’s intervention is timely. “Once fully operational by March, Dorowa Mine will secure a sustainable fertiliser supply, protect farmers, and reduce dependence on imported products,” he said.

Dorowa Mine, a subsidiary of the Chemplex Group of Companies, had temporarily halted operations to allow for major plant upgrades.

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