Published: 30 August 2017

INDUSTRY and Commerce Deputy Minister Chiratidzo Mabuwa has ordered local metal producers to desist from exporting scrap metal at the expense of domestic foundries.

Speaking during a scrap metal indaba in Bulawayo yesterday, Deputy Minister Mabuwa said local industries should complement each other to promote viability and enhance economic growth across the country.

During the meeting, it emerged that Kango, a division of Treger Group, has in excess of 2 000 tonnes of scrap metal at its premises in Bulawayo.

"The local metal producers should not export their scrap. Companies like Treger Group must support those industries (foundries) who want your scrap until they are satisfied.

"I know scrap metal is not your core business but as a big brother and a big player you must support them in order to grow because they need those scraps," said Deputy Minister Mabuwa.

She said there shall come a time when Government would force metal producers to supply local foundries with scrap metal.

The Deputy Minister urged metal manufacturers to reciprocate the attention they were getting from local foundries by ensuring they supply them with raw materials.

Speaking at the same occasion, Meprin Founders and Engineers technical director Mr Prince Gobvu said:

"For example, Kango produces pots and pans and should not make super profits on scrap metal as this should benefit other industries downstream."

As Meprin, he said, they were grateful that Deputy Minister Mabuwa had directed local scrap producers to prioritise supplying scrap metal to companies that use it.

"We are happy with the directive from the deputy minister because that will restore sanity within the industrial structure.

"The industrial structure is as good as an organogram whereby one hand gives the other hand and the whole system starts moving.

"We hope there will now be no discord as we will look at Kango and Monarch as major producers of scrap metal," Mr Gobvu said.
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