Shuntai Supercharges Zimbabwe’s Cement Industry

• US$120M Chegutu plant set to cut imports, stabilise prices

• Hundreds of jobs expected, supporting local communities

• Nationwide expansion to raise production to 3.3M tons annually

The Central African Ruthene Mining Corporation, through its subsidiary Shuntai, has launched a major investment in Zimbabwe’s cement sector, marking a significant expansion of China-Africa economic cooperation and a shift toward value-added industrial development.

The project, centred on the Shuntai Chegutu Cement Plant, represents one of the largest recent private-sector investments in Zimbabwe’s construction materials industry.

Originally rooted in zinc mining operations, Shuntai is diversifying into cement production to strengthen local manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imports.

US$120 Million Flagship Plant in Chegutu

Construction of the Chegutu plant was prioritised as a project for 2025–2026.

Located in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province, the facility is designed to operate under internationally recognised environmental standards, incorporating energy-efficient and low-emission technologies.

As of January 2026, more than US$80 million has been invested in the project, with total capital expenditure expected to reach US$120 million.

The plant is scheduled for completion in June 2026.

Once operational, the facility will produce premium-grade cement for the domestic market, helping stabilise supply and reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on imported cement.

Job Creation and Local Economic Impact

The Chegutu plant is expected to create hundreds of direct jobs, including skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled positions.

Additional employment opportunities are anticipated across supporting sectors such as transportation, logistics and small-to-medium enterprises supplying goods and services to the facility.

Company officials say the project prioritises local sourcing of labour and materials where feasible, aligning with Zimbabwe’s broader economic development and industrialisation objectives.

Nationwide Expansion Plan

Beyond Chegutu, Shuntai has announced plans to invest an additional US$300 million to expand cement production capacity nationwide. The expansion blueprint includes:

• Chegutu: An 800,000-ton cement production line, a 300,000-ton limestone production line, and a 300 MW thermal power plant.
• Belingwe: A 6,000-ton-per-day cement clinker production line, a 200,000-ton-per-day limestone production line, a 500,000-ton-per-day cement grinding station, and a 50 MW thermal power station.
• Bulawayo: A 500,000-ton cement production line.
• Murewa: A 500,000-ton cement production line.
• Harare: A 1 million-ton cement production line.

Four additional grinding stations are expected to be completed by December 2027.

Upon completion of all planned facilities, Shuntai’s total annual cement production capacity in Zimbabwe is projected to reach 3.3 million tons, alongside 600,000 tons of lime production. Company projections indicate that increased capacity could push cement prices down to approximately US$80 per ton, depending on market conditions.

Integrated Distribution Network

To support distribution, Shuntai is establishing sales centres in several key locations, including Masango, Chinhoyi, Marondera, Bindura, Murewa, Gweru, Kwekwe and Gokwe.

The network is intended to ensure proximity-based supply, reduce transportation costs and improve delivery times.

Aligning With National Development Goals

The investment reflects a broader trend of Chinese-backed industrial projects across Africa, aimed at local beneficiation and industrial diversification. By transitioning from mining into cement manufacturing, Shuntai is positioning itself within Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and housing growth sectors.

The project also aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 development strategy, which seeks to achieve upper-middle-income status through industrialisation, infrastructure development and increased foreign direct investment.

With the construction of the Chegutu plant nearing completion, the initiative is expected to play a significant role in reshaping Zimbabwe’s construction materials industry and reinforcing economic ties between China and Zimbabwe.