Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa and Victor Maphosa
Vice-President Kembo Mohadi yesterday called on mining firms to continue embracing modern technologies and practices to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Speaking during a tour of Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe in Goromonzi, VP Mohadi said Government applauds the efforts being made towards leapfrogging Zimbabwe to an empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“I am pleased to note the massive infrastructural development at this place, which I witnessed during the tour,” he said.
“The Government welcomes the modern mining technologies and practices brought about by Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe into the country.
“These include more efficient extraction methods, improved ore processing techniques as well as advanced safety protocols. We must leverage these advancements to improve overall efficiency and sustainability in the whole mining sector.”
VP Mohadi said Government was alive and mindful of the many benefits and contributions that the mining industry contributes to the economy such as an increase in the Gross Domestic Product and employment opportunities.
“It, therefore, comes as no surprise that Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe has created jobs in Mashonaland East Province, employing close to 2 000 young men and women from surrounding rural communities,” he said.
Through President Mnangagwa’s philosophy that “Zimbabwe is open for business”, the country has witnessed a surge in foreign direct investment, said VP Mohadi.
The investment by China’s Huayou Cobalt into Zimbabwe’s mining sector through Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, added VP Mohadi, is one of the fruits of the President’s visionary leadership.
“Chinese investment in lithium mining has increased mining output for Zimbabwe, making the country a significant player in the global lithium market,” he said.
VP Mohadi also lauded Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe for its social corporate responsibility.
“I am told that PLZ is constructing roads in the district, especially the highway that connects the whole district from Majuru Shopping Centre.
“These are vital infrastructure projects which improve the transport network system that benefits the whole community,” he said.
“Since its inception two and a half years ago, the company has invested over US$3 million into corporate social responsibility projects, which include community health interventions, the construction of classroom blocks, and the provision of furniture and books to six schools surrounding the mine. For that, I commend PLZ.”
VP Mohadi said the Government is aware of the environmental risks associated with mining, but was happy that PLZ had adopted a robust environment, social and governance (ESG) framework.
“PLZ’s environmental practices, such as tree planting, reiterates the company’s commitment to adhere to set environmental standards,” he said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Province, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, said PLZ’s deeds were benefiting the province and nation at large.
“We gather here not only to witness the remarkable advancement in lithium mining, but also to reflect on the broader potential of our province’s rich mineral endowments, which include gold in different districts and the select granite in Mutoko, among other array of mineral resources.
“These resources are pivotal to our national social economic development and are integral to the aspirations outlined in our national vision 2030,” he said.
Minister Ndudzo says the improvement of the transport network in Goromonzi does not only facilitate efficient mining operations, but also enhances accessibility for local communities, fostering greater connectivity in economic activity.
PLZ general manager Mr Henry Zhou said the company was grateful to the Government for the continued support.
“We are thrilled to have had an opportunity to showcase our operations to the Vice President. The Government’s support for the lithium industry is crucial to our success and we appreciate the Vice President’s interest in our project,” he said.
Mr Zhou said the company has received outstanding support from Government since its inception.
The support has adequately placed PLZ in a position to meaningfully contribute towards Vision 2030 as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The company has implemented projects in education development, community health, women and youth empowerment as well as skills development.
In December 2024, PLZ launched the US$1,2 million Goromonzi Community Development Projects in response to Zimbabwe’s vision of attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
