Spodumene Project solidifies Zimbabwe as a diversified mineral producer

Spodumene Project solidifies Zimbabwe as a diversified mineral producer

Pretty Manyewe

President, Emmerson Mnangagwa has described Bikita Minerals’ Spodumene project as one that solidifies the country’s position as a diversified mineral producer.

Officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony at Bikita Minerals yesterday, the President said that the investment represents one of the many highlights to the rising investor confidence in the Zimbabwean economy at large and the mining sector in particular.

“The launch of this project follows an investment of about US$200 million by Sinomine Resource Group which will see the building of a new plant and expansion of existing operations at Bikita Minerals. These developments in the mining sector coupled with the expansion of the sector in general, highlight the confidence investors have in the policies and investment climate enabled by the Second Republic. This has culminated in the sector rebounding by 3.4% in 2021.”

The project is expected to not only increase lithium output but contribute immensely to the Government’s drive towards the USD$12 billion mining industry by 2023.

In an address to thousands who had gathered to witness the event, the President expressed his gratitude to Sinomine Resource Group for the investment.

“The investment by Sinomine Resource Group ushers in a world class lithium production partner in Zimbabwe. The company’s vast experience in cesium and rubidium production as well as its strong track in record of developing and operating top tier assets is a welcome injection into this emerging valuable sub sector of our mining industry. The tapping of the financial, technical and Human Resources capabilities from the Group is further set to strengthen our position as a preferred destination for foreign investment in the electric vehicle supply chain.”

His excellency is expressed optimism that the development of the lithium mining sector in Zimbabwe will lead to a growth of value chain linkages in the manufacturing industry.

“The investment by Sinomine Resource Group should not only end in the production of Spodumene, but should graduate to the production of battery grade lithium and ultimately lithium ion battery manufacturing entities.”