Maamba Collieries Coal production has dropped by about 25 percent from January to June 2024 compared to the 2023 production within the same period.
This is amid Maamba’s plan to double its power generation capacity from 300 megawatts (MW) to 600 MW coal-fired power plant costing an estimated $400 million.
Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL) is the largest coal mining company and is a subsidiary of Nava Bharat (Singapore) Pte. Limited which holds a majority equity stake with the balance equity being held by ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc.
According to the Minerals Production report made seen by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Coal production at Mamba has dropped by over 31, 700 metric tons in 2024 from January to June.
Maamba’s Coal production in 2023 was about 119, 100 metric tons from January to June which has decreased by over 25 percent to 87, 400 metric tons from January to June 2024 representing about 31, 700 metric tons’ drop.
In 2016, Maamba Collieries Limited commercially commissioned the 300 MW Unit of the power station which comprises two steam generators with capacity of 150 MW each.
The decrease in coal production is however projected to affect the power generation as coal is used to turn turbines which in turn generate electricity.
Zambia’s electricity deficit has deepened following the 135MW deficit due to the maintenance works at Maamba.
Efforts to however get a comment on the cause of drop and the impact of this decrease from Maamba, were still underway by press time.
