Government has intensified efforts to revive Dorowa Minerals, committing to help mobilise the US$11 million required for the mine’s full recapitalisation.
The Govt progress was confirmed during a Wednesday tour of the Buhera-based operation by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, as part of his broader assessment of strategic economic projects in Manicaland Province.
Dorowa remains Zimbabwe’s only producer of phosphate, a vital raw material in manufacturing basal fertilisers, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) blends placing its revival at the centre of the country’s agricultural value chain.
Government has already injected US$5 million into the mine’s rehabilitation in 2025 as part of efforts to restore production capacity, reduce fertiliser imports and enhance national food security.
During the tour, VP Chiwenga stressed the importance of a coordinated response to ensure Dorowa returns to optimal output.
“We want a whole-of-government approach to make sure all requirements here are addressed concurrently so we can produce enough of our basal fertiliser,” he said.
He noted that repairs to critical infrastructure including two major pumps would significantly improve efficiency and allow uninterrupted operations.
“The two main pumps they repaired are a game changer. This plant must work 24/7, stopping only for annual maintenance in November or December. By then, it must have produced 450 metric tonnes,” he added.
Dorowa Minerals General Manager, Henson Mambo, said the first phase of the refurbishment programme is nearing completion, with the remaining two phases set to be expedited.
“When we secure the US$11 million which the shareholder has committed to helping us raise, we will be able to reach nameplate capacity, most conservatively by the end of the first quarter next year,” he said.
The mine’s revival is expected to slash fertiliser import costs, ease the burden on farmers and significantly boost agricultural productivity.
VP Chiwenga’s visit to Dorowa was part of a broader tour of key projects in Manicaland, which also included the Sabi Star Lithium Mine, where he underscored the national importance of value addition and beneficiation within the mining sector.
