Plizio Visual Lab
Empress Nickel Refinery
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Empress Nickel Refinery, situated near Kadoma, is one of Zimbabwe's most important metallurgical facilities for refining platinum group metals (PGMs) and nickel. Originally opened as the Empress Nickel Mine in 1968, the focus shifted entirely to refining after mining operations ceased in 1982. The facility, currently operated by RioZim, plays a vital role in processing matte from various domestic and international mines. Complex metallurgical processes are employed here to recover pure nickel, copper, and cobalt, along with valuable platinum by-products. The refinery is a key link in Zimbabwe's mining value chain, as it enables the local beneficiation of raw materials rather than exporting them in an unprocessed state. Despite technical challenges, Empress remains a symbol of the country's industrial competence in metallurgy. The plant contributes significantly to Zimbabwe's export earnings and sustains specialized technical employment.
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Nearby: Kadoma (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 182 | 146 | 95 | 32 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 23 | 86 | 179 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Empress Nickel Refinery in Zimbabwe processes nickel and copper matte into key industrial metals. It is a central part of the national mining economy and interesting for visitors wanting to understand Africa's metallurgical industry.
Visiting
The refinery is a closed industrial site with no public access, but the main road to Chinhoyi provides views of the facilities and smokestacks. For authorized groups, occasional tours may be arranged in advance.
Where to view it
From the main A-5 highway, the refinery is clearly visible, especially just before the turn-off to Empress. The nearby hills also provide elevated viewpoints over the plant and surrounding landscape.
Local products
Refined metals are not sold directly in the region, but Chinhoyi markets have copper and nickel jewellery and traditional crafts. Seasonal agricultural produce like maize and beans are available in the surrounding area.
Active season
The refinery operates continuously all year, with maintenance typically during local winter (June-August). The best travel period for the region is April to October, which is the dry season.
Nearby
Combine a visit with the Chinhoyi Caves, an impressive limestone cave system, and Lake Chivero for wildlife viewing. The town of Chinhoyi itself features local markets and accommodation.
Geography
Facts
- Originally opened as a mine in 1968
- Focus on metal refining since 1982
- Operated by the RioZim group
- Refines nickel, copper, and cobalt
- Processes matte from platinum and nickel mines
- Located in the Kadoma region
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Empress Nickel Refinery (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Empress nickel refinery?
A facility for processing nickel ores.
Can you visit the plant?
No, the plant is not open to visitors.
Where is the refinery located?
Near Kadoma.
Is Kadoma a tourism hub?
No, it is more of an industrial town.
What should be considered during a stay?
The infrastructure is functional, you find everything necessary for transit.
Empress Nickel Refinery: where is it located?
Empress Nickel Refinery is located in Zimbabwe.
Empress Nickel Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Aug.
Empress Nickel Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Empress Nickel Refinery, situated near Kadoma, is one of Zimbabwe's most important metallurgical facilities for refining platinum group metals (PGMs) and nickel.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Zimbabwe →
Nearby cities
Kadoma
Kadoma is a key mining and agricultural town in the Mashonaland West Province, known for its gold, copper, and nickel deposits.
Chinhoyi
Chinhoyi is the administrative capital of Mashonaland West and is world-renowned for the stunning Chinhoyi Caves.
Norton
Norton is a thriving industrial and residential town located just west of Harare along the main road to Bulawayo.
Chegutu
Chegutu is a significant agricultural and trading center in the Mashonaland West Province.
Karoi
Karoi is a prosperous agricultural town in the Mashonaland West Province, renowned as one of Zimbabwe's most productive tobacco-growing d…
Kariba
Kariba is a scenic town built on the shores of Lake Kariba, famous for its massive hydroelectric dam and its role as a major tourist resort.
Banket
Banket is a thriving farming town in the fertile Mashonaland West Province, located just south of Chinhoyi.
Chakari
Chakari is a traditional and established gold-mining settlement in the Mashonaland West Province.
Lake Chivero
A vital reservoir and recreational hub near Harare, featuring a game park and diverse bird species.
History & landmarks
New Parliament Building
A monumental complex at Mount Hampden serving as the new seat of Zimbabwe's legislature.
Kariba Dam
A massive double curvature concrete arch dam in the Zambezi River basin, forming one of the world's largest reservoirs.
Mana Pools
Mana Pools is a pristine UNESCO World Heritage site on the Zambezi River, famous for canoe safaris and elephants that stand on their hind…
More places
Kadoma Cotton Region
Center for cotton processing and agriculture.
Fort Martin
A historical fort used during the 1896 uprisings.
🗺️
Chinhoyi Cropping Area
A productive farming area in Mashonaland.
Chinhoyi Caves (Historical site)
This limestone cave system once served as a refuge for Chief Chinhoyi against raiders.
🗺️
Zimplats Ngezi Mine
A major platinum group metals (PGM) mining operation in the Great Dyke.
Zvimba Crop District
A significant area for the production of staple foods.