Zim hosts 7 Lithium mining and exploration projects – President 

Zim hosts 7 Lithium mining and exploration projects – President

 

Brian Rungano Temba

 

President Emmerson Mnangagwa today commissioned the Kamativi mining company’s 2.3 MT spodume mining and processing project phase one.

 

Kamativi Mine Company is a Joint Venture company operated and controlled by Sichuan PD Technology Group, a subsidiary of the Chinese-listed entity Yahua Group, and a local partner, Defold Mine (Private) Limited.

 

The mine started its operations in 2019 focused on lithium exploration, mining, and processing within Kamativi, a former tin mine that closed in 1994 when international prices of tin plummeted to unsustainable levels.

 

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa said the increased demand in green minerals, electrification and decarbonisation thrust driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution is primarily fuelled by Lithium.

 

 

He also told the audience that US$100 million was pumped into the first phase of the project as a deliverable of the Engagement and Re-engagement policy of the Second Republic.

 

 

Phase One of the mine is successfully running and producing 300 000 tonnes of raw ore and 50 000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per annum.

 

Phase two, which will ramp up production to 2,3 million tonnes of raw ore and 300 000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per annum is under construction and will be completed mid-year

 

The mine has created direct employment for 260 people, while about 1 000 employees are employed indirectly through downstream contracts impact. Kamativi Mine Company is involved in corporate social responsibility in schools, clinics, roads, and water provision amid plans to establish a solar project to boost energy generation.

 

President Mnangagwa said that Zimbabwe is recognized as one of the countries with the largest reserves of lithium and mines in Africa.

 

“Globally we rank alongside the leading lithium producing and supplying countries such as Chile, Australia, China, Argentina and Brazil.

 

“Presently, we host more than seven lithium exploration and mining projects at different stages of development,” he added.

 

President Mnangagwa has commissioned various projects in Matabeleland North Province since 2018. He commissioned Kapenta Fishing Rigs, Muchesu Coal Mine and Mabobolo Primary School in Binga. He recently commissioned Pupu Clinic and Monument in Lupane. President Mnangagwa also commissioned Nyamandlovu Aquifer and Hwange Unit 7 and 8.