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Hwange Colliery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

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Hwange Colliery is the largest coal mine in Zimbabwe and a cornerstone of the national energy supply. Located in the northwest of the country in the Hwange District, the company was established as early as 1899 after explorer Albert Giese identified extensive coal deposits there. Commercial mining began in 1902 and has since significantly contributed to Zimbabwe's industrial development. The mine operates both open-cast and underground facilities to extract high-quality coal for power generation and the metallurgical industry. Its proximity to the Hwange Power Station, the country's largest thermal power plant, makes the Colliery a strategically indispensable operation. Beyond its economic importance, Hwange Colliery is the central employer for the town of Hwange and provides social infrastructure for tens of thousands of people. Despite modern challenges, the mine remains of critical relevance for the security of supply to the national electricity grid.

Location: Zimbabwe
Nearby: Dete (28 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	25	25	23	21	19	18	21	25	28	28	26
Rain mm	149	133	80	30	3	2	0	0	2	15	65	142

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Hwange Colliery is one of Zimbabwe's largest and oldest coal mines, supplying thermal power stations and industry with coal. It plays a central role in the country's energy supply.

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Visiting

The mine is generally not open to the public as it is an active mining site. The headframes and waste heaps can be seen from the nearby road.

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Where to view it

The best viewpoint is the main road passing the mine, from where the large open-pit areas and extraction equipment are visible. Safety distances should be kept, photography is usually allowed.

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Local products

Coal is mined but not available for travelers to purchase. In nearby Hwange town, markets offer traditional Zimbabwean goods such as wood carvings and textiles.

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Active season

The mine operates in shifts year-round, with production often higher in the dry season (May to October) due to better conditions. Maintenance work is typically carried out during the wet season.

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Nearby

Combine the mine visit with a safari in Hwange National Park, known for its elephant population. The town of Hwange with its historic mining buildings is also worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates

-18.36670, 26.98330

Facts

The coal deposits in Hwange were discovered by Albert Giese in 1893.
The company was known as the Wankie Colliery Company until 1982.
Hwange Colliery supplies the bulk of the fuel for the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
The mining area extends over an area of more than 450 square kilometers.
The mine produces both thermal coal and high-quality coking coal.
Hwange Colliery operates its own hospitals, schools, and a stadium for the community.