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Zisco Steel Works

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Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)

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Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company) in Redcliff, near Kwekwe, was once the largest integrated steel works in Southern Africa outside of South Africa. Established in the 1940s, the company served as the heart of Zimbabwe's heavy industry, supplying high-quality steel to the entire continent. During its peak years, the plant operated its own limestone and iron ore mines in the immediate vicinity and provided employment for thousands of workers. Due to systemic economic challenges and technical obsolescence, the facility largely ceased operations in 2008. Since then, numerous attempts have been made to revive the works through international investment partnerships aimed at resuming strategically vital production. The infrastructure comprises massive blast furnaces, coke ovens, and rolling mills that once boasted a capacity of over one million tonnes of steel annually. The revival of Zisco is viewed as a cornerstone project for Zimbabwe's industrial renaissance and broader regional infrastructure development. The town of Redcliff originally developed as a dedicated residential area for the plant's workforce and remains economically tied to its future.

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?
The Zisco Steel Works was one of Africa's largest integrated steelworks, having gone through several operational phases, and is currently undergoing revitalization. Its role as a potential supplier of construction steel for the region is significant, even if production is paused.
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Visiting
The steelworks site is closed to the public for safety reasons. However, from the nearby highway, the massive structures and characteristic cooling towers are visible.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the bridge over the highway providing a wide view of the entire plant. Alternatively, the hills east of the facility offer an overview.
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Local products
Since the plant is currently not producing, there are no local products directly from here. However, scrap metals and recycled materials are traded by informal collectors in the area.
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Active season
Historically, the plant operated year-round with seasonal fluctuations depending on demand and raw material supply. Revitalization is ongoing, but production is currently paused.
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Nearby
Combine the visit with the nearby town of Redcliff, which has a mining history. Lake MacIlwaine also provides recreational opportunities and an alternative to the industrial landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
-19.03330, 29.75000

Facts

  • Largest integrated steel works in Sub-Saharan Africa (outside RSA)
  • Headquartered in Redcliff, a town built specifically for the workforce
  • Had a peak production capacity of over 1 million tonnes annually
  • Ceased major operations in 2008 due to economic challenges
  • Controls its own iron ore deposits at the nearby Ripple Creek Mines
  • Viewed as a critical strategic project for Zimbabwe's industrialization

Explore nearby

Notable places around

RedcliffRedcliff4 km · NExplore →
KwekweKwekwe12 km · NEExplore →
Kwe Kwe Nature ParkKwe Kwe Nature Park14 km · NEExplore →
Sable ChemicalsSable Chemicals21 km · NEExplore →
Midlands PlateauMidlands Plateau28 km · SExplore →
Gweru Antelope ParkGweru Antelope Park36 km · WExplore →
GweruGweru41 km · WExplore →
ShurugwiShurugwi68 km · NWExplore →

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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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the historical importance of Zisco steel works?
Zisco was once one of the largest steel producers in the region.
Are the facilities still operational?
Production has been largely suspended for years and the facilities are outdated.
Can you photograph the industrial ruins?
The site is private property and generally closed to the public.
Where exactly are the steel works located?
They are located in Redcliff, near the town of Kwekwe.
Are there plans for revitalization?
There are ongoing discussions about investments, but so far without tangible success.
Zisco Steel Works: where is it located?
Zisco Steel Works is located in Zimbabwe.
Zisco Steel Works: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Zisco Steel Works: why is it worth visiting?
Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company) in Redcliff, near Kwekwe, was once the largest integrated steel works in Southern Africa outside of South Africa.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Gweru — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Gweru
Gweru is the administrative capital of the Midlands Province and a significant industrial and educational center in central Zimbabwe.
Kwekwe — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Kwekwe
Kwekwe is a prominent mining and industrial town located halfway between Harare and Bulawayo.
Zvishavane — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Zvishavane
Zvishavane is a vibrant mining town in the Midlands Province, historically famous for its world-class asbestos deposits.
Redcliff — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Redcliff
Redcliff is an industrial town located near Kwekwe that was specifically built to support Zimbabwe's iron and steel industry.
Gokwe — Zisco Steel Works (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 — Zisco Steel Works (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 — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Mvuma
Mvuma is a strategic transit town in the Midlands Province, located at the critical intersection of the roads connecting Harare, Bulawayo…
Mberengwa — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
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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 — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Gweru Theatre
A prominent theater building that shapes the cultural life in the city of Gweru.

More places

Kwe Kwe Nature Park — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Kwe Kwe Nature Park
A regional nature park with focus on flora and fauna.
Sable Chemicals — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Sable Chemicals
Zimbabwe's sole manufacturer of ammonium nitrate fertilizer.
Midlands Plateau — Zisco Steel Works (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 — Zisco Steel Works (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.
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Danangombe
Formerly known as Dhlo-Dhlo, it was an important center of the Rozvi Empire.
Mvuma Wildlife Ranch — Zisco Steel Works (Zimbabwe)
Mvuma Wildlife Ranch
A protected area for savannah wildlife.