Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana recently in Kamativi
THE growing global demand for energy minerals is a huge boost for Kamativi Mining Company (KMC), which expects to complete its Phase Two lithium Processing Plant in Hwange District, in July this year.
The development is set to increase production capacity to about 2,3 million tonnes of ore annually.
President Mnangagwa officially commissioned the Phase One Processing Plant, last Friday.
President of the Yahua Group of China, Mr Meng Yan said the company had made provisions to invest US$249 million into the Kamativi Mine project.
“In December 2022, a plan to develop the mine in two phases was birthed and subsequently the Yahua Group made provisions to invest a total US$249m towards the project,” he said.
Mr Yan said after the completion of Phase Two in July, the mine’s capacity will increase to 2,3 million tonnes of lithium ore.
“The construction of Phase Two of the Processing Plant kicked off in July 2023. I’m delighted to report to you that all works are progressing well and on schedule,” he said.
Mr Yan said the group intends to increase its footprint by increasing investments in the development of Zimbabwe’s mining sector, buoyed by the growing demand for clean energy.
“In light of the burgeoning global demand for clean energy, prospects for lithium ore are very bright,” said Mr Yan.
The group is one of the world’s largest suppliers of lithium hydroxide.
Mr Yan said they were committed to sustainable mining that takes into account the environment and surrounding communities.
“Yahua Group has always embraced and harnessed the ethos of sustainable development through mutually beneficial collaboration with various stakeholders. Your Excellency, we place paramount importance on environmental conservation throughout the execution of this project,” he said.
“We adopted advanced and efficient anti-seepage technologies designed to be economical with water consumption while protecting the environment.”
The Yahua Group boasts a 72-year legacy and the Kamativi mine is its inaugural major lithium project on the African continent. The revival of Kamativi Mine reconnects the communities that have been isolated for almost 30 years with the broader world, with KMC having created about 300 direct jobs and approximately 1 000 indirectly through sub-contractors.
The group has also invested US$2m in various community projects that include rehabilitation of roads, resuscitation of electricity and water supplies, infrastructure as well as donations to schools and clinics.
“We are constantly reminding ourselves to look after the community in which we serve hence we take Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously. We have so far invested in over US$2 million in various community projects,” said Mr Yan.
He said close relations between China and Zimbabwe had played a significant role in overcoming various challenges that eventually led to the re-opening of Kamativi Mine.
Kamativi mine closed in 1994 after international market prices of tin plummeted to unsustainable levels.
In addition to lithium, other minerals such as copper, tantalite, beryl, limestone, beryllium, spodumene and petalite are also found in Kamativi.
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