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Midlands State University has commenced test runs at its US$11 million coal tar plant in Zvishavane, with full-scale production expected before the end of the year.
Midlands State University has commenced test runs at its US$11 million coal tar plant in Zvishavane, with full-scale production expected before the end of the year.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the Research Council of Zimbabwe. It will produce coal tar for road construction using crude oil from Hwange coking ovens and recycled chrysotile from Shabanie-Mashava, replacing imported bitumen.
The locally produced road binder is expected to significantly reduce costs, cutting the price from about US$2.50 per litre for imported bitumen to around US$0.70 per litre. Authorities estimate the initiative could create about 2,500 jobs and reduce Zimbabwe’s bitumen import bill by up to 40 percent.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the Research Council of Zimbabwe. It will produce coal tar for road construction using crude oil from Hwange coking ovens and recycled chrysotile from Shabanie-Mashava, replacing imported bitumen.
The locally produced road binder is expected to significantly reduce costs, cutting the price from about US$2.50 per litre for imported bitumen to around US$0.70 per litre. Authorities estimate the initiative could create about 2,500 jobs and reduce Zimbabwe’s bitumen import bill by up to 40 percent.
Published January 29, 2026 at 10:58 AM