A US$7 million granite cutting and polishing plant established in Mashonaland East Province is emerging as a key example of Zimbabwe’s mineral beneficiation and value-addition drive.
Speaking after a recent media tour to Ebene Investments in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe (UMP) District, Mashonaland East, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services highlighted the company’s contribution to industrialisation and economic growth.
“Ebene Investments stands as a milestone in Zimbabwe’s beneficiation and value-addition drive.
The establishment of a granite cutting and polishing plant in UMP District is transforming the country’s mineral sector by ensuring that more value is retained locally through processing and manufacturing,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry noted that the project is contributing to employment creation and rural industrialisation.
“The company has employed a total of 430 workers. Of these, 70 are employed directly at the processing plant, while the remainder work across granite quarries located in Karimbika, Matabvu, Chindega and Mpfurudzi,” the statement read.
The plant’s operations have also positioned Zimbabwe to increase its participation in international markets for processed granite products, with exports destined for Europe and China.
“The facility is not only creating employment opportunities for local communities but is also enhancing Zimbabwe’s export capacity by supplying value-added granite products to international markets.
This is in line with the Government’s thrust of moving from the export of raw minerals to finished and semi-finished products,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry added that investments such as Ebene Investments are critical to achieving the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation objectives under Vision 2030.
“By processing granite locally, Zimbabwe is retaining greater economic value from its mineral resources while stimulating industrial growth and skills development.
The success of such projects underscores the importance of beneficiation as a catalyst for sustainable economic development,” it said.
The media tour forms part of efforts by the Ministry to showcase developmental projects across Mashonaland East Province that are contributing to economic growth, job creation and the implementation of Government’s value-addition agenda.
