Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe (ATZ), a subsidiary of Huayou Cobalt and sister company to Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) is building a US$400 million lithium sulphate processing plant in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East province.
The plant, which is still under construction but almost complete, is in line with the Government’s vision to increase local value addition in the mining sector and achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
PLZ conducted a media tour on Thursday to update journalists on construction progress and the impact the plant will have on Zimbabwe’s value addition and beneficiation drive.
“The lithium sulphate plant is a game changer for our economy. Not only has this plant created jobs and stimulated local economic activity, it also showcases Zimbabwe’s potential as a major player in the global lithium market,” ATZ managing director Mr Henry Zhu said.
Upon completion, the plant is expected to create more than 1 000 jobs for locals.
The tour included a visit to the mining area, the ongoing Goromonzi road upgrade programme and women empowerment projects supported by PLZ.
With the anticipated growth of both PLZ and ATZ, Goromonzi District is poised to benefit immensely, both economically and socially.
The plant demonstrates the potential Zimbabwe’s mining industry holds in driving economic growth and development.
