Heavy Rains Disrupt Coal Mining, Power Output

HEAVY rains in Zimbabwe’s main coal-producing region are hampering the country’s efforts to address electricity needs.

The operations manager of Zambezi Gas and Coal, Menard Makota, told the state-owned newspaper, The Herald, that mining operations had been adversely affected by persistent heavy rains in and around the Hwange region leading to a decline in production.

That decline keeps miners from meeting the demands of one of Zimbabwe’s main power stations.

“This year we received more than normal rainfall. We once recorded 90 millimeters of rain in three hours, meaning the rain was heavy,” Makota said.

According to Makota, the Hwange Power Station requires an estimated 90,000 tonnes of coal every month to generate thermal power. The station has also been plagued by reliability issues.

Makota said the downpour had forced companies to purchase water pumps worth thousands of dollars to clear the underground pits where their workers are active.