CBAM Impact on Zimbabwe: Ferrochrome, the Great Dyke, and EU Export Compliance

Zimbabwe is a significant exporter of ferrochrome from the Great Dyke. CBAM applies to ferrochrome exports to the EU. This guide explains Zimbabwe's CBAM exposure and the compliance pathway for Zimbabwean miners.

Published April 2026·Last updated April 2026·carbonborderadjustment.co.za

Zimbabwe and CBAM: The Great Dyke Meets the Carbon Gate

Zimbabwe is home to the Great Dyke — one of the world's most significant chromite deposits and the foundation of a ferrochrome industry that exports to EU stainless steel producers.

Zimbabwe's Ferrochrome Industry

The Great Dyke runs approximately 550 km through central Zimbabwe. Major ferrochrome producers include Zimasco (Kwekwe) and Zimbabwe Alloys (Gweru). These producers export ferrochrome primarily to EU stainless steel mills.

The Electricity Challenge

Ferrochrome smelting requires approximately 3,000–4,000 kWh per tonne. Zimbabwe's electricity supply has faced significant constraints, forcing many producers to supplement Kariba grid power with diesel generators or coal-fired captive power. This electricity complexity creates a CBAM challenge: the emission factor for Zimbabwe's electricity supply is not straightforward.

The Compliance Pathway

Zimbabwean ferrochrome exporters should:

▸Audit electricity sources: document the proportion from each source (Kariba grid, diesel, coal captive power)
▸Calculate actual embedded carbon using the EU CBAM methodology
▸Engage an accredited third-party verifier
▸Register at the DPP Registry
▸Provide verified data to EU buyers before the May 31 deadline

For a complete CBAM compliance registration pathway, visit the Digital Product Passport Registry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Zimbabwean exports are subject to CBAM?

Zimbabwe's primary CBAM-covered export is ferrochrome from the Great Dyke chromite deposits. Ferrochrome is covered by CBAM as a ferro-alloy under CN code 7202. Major producers include Zimasco and Zimbabwe Alloys.

What is Zimbabwe's CBAM challenge?

Zimbabwe's primary CBAM challenge is its electricity supply. Ferrochrome smelting is energy-intensive, and Zimbabwe's grid has faced significant supply constraints. Many producers use a combination of Kariba hydropower and diesel generators or coal-fired captive power, significantly increasing Scope 2 emissions.

Does Zimbabwe have a carbon tax?

As of 2026, Zimbabwe does not have a national carbon tax or emissions trading system. This means Zimbabwean exporters cannot claim a carbon price credit against their CBAM liability.

How does Zimbabwe's ferrochrome compare to SA ferrochrome for CBAM?

Both use submerged arc furnaces with similar direct process emissions. The key difference is electricity. SA uses a coal-heavy grid (~0.9 tCO₂/MWh), while Zimbabwean producers use a mix of Kariba hydropower and backup generation. Zimbabwean producers who primarily use Kariba hydropower may have lower Scope 2 emissions.

What should Zimbabwean ferrochrome exporters do to prepare for CBAM?

They should: (1) audit electricity sources and calculate actual Scope 2 emission factor; (2) calculate total embedded carbon; (3) engage an accredited verifier; (4) register at the DPP Registry; and (5) provide verified data to EU buyers.

Gate 3 — Complete Registration

✓ Gate 1 KYC · ✓ Gate 2 CBAM · Gate 3 DPP →

Digital Product Passport Registry

Complete all three compliance gates — Gate 1 KYC identity verification, Gate 2 CBAM financial authorisation, and Gate 3 Digital Product Passport registration — in one place at the DPP Registry.

Start Three Gates Registration →