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Sable Chemicals

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Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)

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Sable Chemicals, located northwest of Kwekwe, is Zimbabwe's sole manufacturer of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and a strategic pillar of the national agricultural sector. Established in 1969, the company originally utilized a world-unique electrolysis process to generate hydrogen for ammonia synthesis. Due to escalating electricity costs, the plant shifted its operational model to importing ammonia to sustain the production of fertilizers for the domestic market. The facility plays a critical role in ensuring national food security by providing essential nitrogenous fertilizers for maize and wheat cultivation. Sable Chemicals possesses extensive industrial infrastructure, including large-scale anhydrous ammonia storage tanks and granulation units. There are ongoing strategic plans to restore fully integrated production by utilizing local natural gas or coal-bed methane resources. As a major industrial employer in the Midlands Province, the company is vital to the economic stability of the Kwekwe region. Its production capacity is designed to meet a substantial portion of the nation's annual fertilizer requirements.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232322201715151822242423
Rain mm1411228530533142486188

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Sable Chemicals is Zimbabwe's sole manufacturer of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, making it a vital supplier for the country's agriculture. The plant ensures nitrogen fertilizer availability for local farmers.
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Visiting
The plant site is an active chemical facility, closed to the public. From the surrounding highway, one can see the large storage tanks and chimneys.
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Where to view it
The best public viewpoint is the main road near the plant, especially at the junction towards Kwekwe. From there, the plant's silhouette and signage are clearly visible.
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Local products
Travelers can buy Sable fertilizer in bags at Zimbabwean agricultural supply stores, used for maize and tobacco farming. These products are widely available and crucial for the local agriculture.
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Active season
Fertilizer production runs year-round, but peak demand occurs just before the rainy season when farmers prepare their fields. During this time, the plant operates at full capacity.
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Nearby
A visit to the plant can be combined with a stop in Kwekwe, a town with a mining history. The nearby Sebakwe Reservoir also provides recreation opportunities.

Geography

Coordinates
-18.83330, 29.83330

Facts

  • Zimbabwe's only manufacturer of ammonium nitrate fertilizer
  • Established in 1969 during the Rhodesian era
  • Formerly operated the world's largest electrolysis complex
  • Located northwest of Kwekwe in the Midlands Province
  • Strategically vital for national food security and agriculture
  • Converts imported ammonia into nitrogenous fertilizer granules

Explore nearby

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KwekweKwekwe9 km · WExplore →
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Zisco Steel WorksZisco Steel Works21 km · SWExplore →
Midlands PlateauMidlands Plateau40 km · SWExplore →
KadomaKadoma49 km · EExplore →
Kadoma Cotton RegionKadoma Cotton Region52 km · EExplore →
Gweru Antelope ParkGweru Antelope Park55 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does Sable Chemicals produce?
The company specializes in the production of ammonium nitrate fertilizers.
Is the factory accessible to visitors?
No, it is an industrial production site with strict security regulations.
Where is Sable Chemicals located?
The plant is located near Kwekwe, Central Zimbabwe.
What role does Sable Chemicals play in the region?
It is one of the most important employers and pillars of the local industry.
Are there environmental regulations for the plant?
Yes, as with chemical plants generally, operations are subject to strict environmental standards.
Sable Chemicals: where is it located?
Sable Chemicals is located in Zimbabwe.
Sable Chemicals: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Sable Chemicals: why is it worth visiting?
Sable Chemicals, located northwest of Kwekwe, is Zimbabwe's sole manufacturer of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and a strategic pillar of the national agricultural sector.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Gweru — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Gweru
Gweru is the administrative capital of the Midlands Province and a significant industrial and educational center in central Zimbabwe.
Kwekwe — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Kwekwe
Kwekwe is a prominent mining and industrial town located halfway between Harare and Bulawayo.
Zvishavane — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Zvishavane
Zvishavane is a vibrant mining town in the Midlands Province, historically famous for its world-class asbestos deposits.
Redcliff — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Redcliff
Redcliff is an industrial town located near Kwekwe that was specifically built to support Zimbabwe's iron and steel industry.
Gokwe — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Gokwe
Gokwe is a large and busy rural center in the Midlands Province, serving as the primary hub for Zimbabwe's small-scale cotton farmers.
Shurugwi — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Shurugwi
Shurugwi is a scenic mining town situated on the Great Dyke, known for its dramatic mountain passes and rich chrome and gold deposits.
Mvuma — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Mvuma
Mvuma is a strategic transit town in the Midlands Province, located at the critical intersection of the roads connecting Harare, Bulawayo…
Mberengwa — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Mberengwa
Mberengwa is a mineral-rich district center in the Midlands Province, famously known for its precious emeralds and gold.

History & landmarks

🗺️
Boggie Memorial Clock Tower
An iconic clock tower in Gweru commemorating Major William Boggie.
Gweru Theatre — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Gweru Theatre
A prominent theater building that shapes the cultural life in the city of Gweru.

More places

Kwe Kwe Nature Park — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Kwe Kwe Nature Park
A regional nature park with focus on flora and fauna.
Zisco Steel Works — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Zisco Steel Works
Historically one of the largest integrated steelworks in Africa, currently undergoing revitalization.
Midlands Plateau — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Midlands Plateau
The centrally located plateau between Harare and Bulawayo.
🗺️
Gweru Antelope Park
A sanctuary focusing on lions and other wildlife.
Bata Shoe Factory — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Bata Shoe Factory
An iconic footwear manufacturing plant that has operated for decades.
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Unki Platinum Mine
A major underground platinum mine owned by Anglo American Platinum.
Mvuma Wildlife Ranch — Sable Chemicals (Zimbabwe)
Mvuma Wildlife Ranch
A protected area for savannah wildlife.
🗺️
Danangombe
Formerly known as Dhlo-Dhlo, it was an important center of the Rozvi Empire.