Coal producers say that they are left with only 12 days’ stockpiles of coal due to challenges in acquiring diesel to run their machines. The development could worsen the already precarious electricity situation currently obtaining in the country.
The four coal producers in Zimbabwe are Makomo Resources, Hwange Colliery Company, Zambezi Gas and Garlpex.
Speaking to Business Times recently, Makomo Resources director Raymond Mutokonyi revealed that they are now forced to operate four times a week. He said:
Due to crippling fuel shortages, we are now forced to operate four times a week.
Most of our machines including excavators require diesel to function.
If we have a situation whereby the liquid commodity is in short supply, we cannot continue with operations.
All combined coal miners are left with coal stockpile of around 12 days making it difficult to produce more electricity in the coming weeks.
If the diesel situation persists we are rushing to stage four of load-shedding.
Zimbabwe has five thermal power stations. These are Hwange, Munyati, Bulawayo, Harare and Mutare.