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Victor Maphosa, Mashonaland East Bureau
Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ), a leading company in the lithium mining industry, has been commended for its commitment to infrastructure development by upgrading the Goromonzi-Kubatsirana Road linking the processing plant and the Harare-Mutare highway.
Last year, the company rehabilitated about 22 km of the road and is now upgrading the remaining 16km.
Currently, about 8km are undergoing upgrading and are expected to be completed next month with the other 8km expected to be done early next year.
Yesterday, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi toured the road works.
“This is bearing fruit. As a province we were blessed to have large deposits of lithium.
“Therefore, an international company invested in the mining of lithium. The company also adhered to President Mnangagwa’s call to add value to all the minerals mined from Zimbabwe.
“Having said all this, today we are here to witness Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) upgrading the road from Harare-Mutare highway to their site.
“Part of this road was gravel and PLZ will upgrade and tar it. This is a busy road with about 100 heavy trucks using it daily.
“The road does not serve PLZ alone. We have residents from this area, we have farmers and other people who will benefit from this road.
“The corporate social responsibility should be commended. People staying near the road have always been disturbed by dust as heavy trucks use the road. All that will be a thing of the past.”
Minister Munzverengwi called on other companies in the province to emulate what PLZ is doing and give back to communities that they operate in.
PLZ general manager Mr Henry Zhu said the newly constructed 8km tarred road, from Majuru growth point to Arda Farm, is designed to improve transport links, facilitate trade, and boost economic development in the province.
The strategic investment underscored PLZ’s commitment to contributing to the socio-economic prosperity of the country.
“The 8km tarred road with durable asphalt surfacing, has enhanced safety features, including road signage and improved drainage system to mitigate flooding risks. The road also increases accessibility for residents, businesses, and farmers.
“This project demonstrates our dedication to investing in critical infrastructure, driving growth, and enhancing the quality of life for Goromonzi residents.
“We are proud to contribute to the province’s development and look forward to continuing our support,” said Mr Zhu.
The completed road was expected to reduce travel times and increase connectivity, stimulate local economic growth through improved access to markets, enhance safety and reduce accidents, as well as create economic opportunities for local residents.
Mr Zhu said that despite current challenges in the global lithium market, characterised by declining prices, PLZ remained steadfast in its commitment to development.
“The company is confident in the long-term potential of lithium and its essential role in the transition to a future sustainable energy.
“We recognise the current market volatility, and as an entity we have not been spared, but our focus remains on building a sustainable and resilient business.
“We are dedicated to delivering value to our stakeholders and contributing to the growth of Zimbabwe.
“To mitigate the current challenges and in response to the Government’s call for value addition and mineral processing in the mining industry, PLZ is currently working on establishing a lithium sulphate plant in the province, which will convert lithium concentrates to lithium sulphate.”
Lithium is traded in international markets as pure salts of the metal, rather than the metal itself, as lithium metal is a high reactive metal that bursts into flame in contact with water and water vapour.
Online Reporter