tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
SINOMINE subsidiary, Bikita Minerals (Pvt) Ltd has begun trial productions on its newly-constructed gravity separation and flotation plants.
According to Bikita Minerals, the gravity plant has a capacity to produce two million tonnes of petalite concentrate, while the flotation plant is earmarked to also produce two million tonnes of spodumene concentrate per annum.
Construction works for the two plants started in 2022.
This comes as the mining entity is expanding its operations in Zimbabwe, where the setting up of the new plants is expected to aid the company’s vision of generating circa US$500 million from lithium exports by the end of 2023.
The Chinese group has so far invested over US$300 million into Bikita Minerals’ operations, mainly for exploration and plant expansion.
Said Bikita Minerals in a statement:
“Once the Bikita Minerals Lithium Mine expansion project reaches its production capacity, it is expected to produce 300 000 tonnes of high-quality chemical grade spodumene concentrate annually.
“Commencement of the beneficiation production lines will further enhance the company’s lithium concentrate supply capability and future business performance.”
Bongani Ndlovu