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Business Reporter

ARCTURUS Stone Quarries is looking at ramping up production following investment into a highly mechanised crushing stone plant. The plant went through a successful trial run last year and is now geared to ramp up production to optimum levels. The plant has production capacity of 200 tonnes per hour and is operating at just below half of its potential.It produces and supply all types of granite aggregates for construction, road works and surfacing purposes (quarry stones). The company’s target market is diverse and includes individual home developers, construction companies, civil engineering contractors, building societies, private companies, local authorities and the Government.

“We had a successful trial run and we are now ramping up production,” managing director Mr Max Mutangamira said, adding the company was forging partnerships with leading construction firms, which would see it operating at full capacity in the next few months.

Since installation, the plant has been operating at below 50 percent capacity due to suppressed demand in the construction and civil sector. However, the beginning of the year has ushered in more business for the company through viable partnerships with a cement manufacturer, brick making firms, land developers and civil contractors.

“Business is also increasing steadily due to construction in Harare East; Ruwa, Damofalls, Sunway City and Caledonia. The company is ramping production to at least 180 tonnes per hour to meet the rising demand and increase market share,” said Mr Mutamangira.

“We welcome the move by the Ministry of Local Government on the development of three new towns close to the capital as that will increase demand for our products and help us consolidate our position as the best locally owned quarry producer. We also see massive opportunities in road surfacing projects by the Government and local authorities.”

The company will also take advantage of the anticipated improvement in the residential and commercial construction activity. Analysts says there is huge potential to rebuild the country and address the significant infrastructure bottlenecks.

Arcturus mine manger Mr Charles Garande said the company was ready to take advantage of the anticipated boom in the construction industry to scale up production.

“We have a very efficient mechanized plant which will obviously make us competitive,” said Mr Garande.

Arcturus Quarry is certified by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development as suitable for structural concreting and road surfacing in terms of rock strength.