Skills transfer will fuel Zimbabwe’s battery manufacturing ambitions

Chronicle Writer

AS the global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies accelerates, Zimbabwe’s wealth of battery minerals, especially lithium, positions the country as a key player in the energy transition.

However, this opportunity will only be exploited if Zimbabwe prioritises skills transfer to equip its young workforce with the technical expertise needed to develop and sustain a battery manufacturing industry, Young Miners for Economic Development (YMED) president Mr Nyasha Magadhi said.

In an interview, the YMED president said universities, technical colleges and junior professionals led organisations are essential to ensuring the country’s success in this high-tech field and need Government support.

“We have the raw materials, but without the necessary skills, we risk becoming mere suppliers of unprocessed minerals, losing out on the full value chain. Zimbabwe has to empower its young professionals through technical training and collaborations with industry leaders. Junior mining professionals-led organisations must be at the forefront of this initiative.

“These organisations are crucial for fostering mentorship, bridging the skills gap, and supporting the next generation of mining professionals. The Government needs to create partnerships between academia, industry, and junior mining professionals to ensure knowledge transfer,” he said.

Globally, the drive towards decarbonisation has sparked an exponential rise in demand for minerals critical to battery production, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. As countries aim to reduce their carbon emissions, the adoption of EVs has soared. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global stock of electric vehicles exceeded 10 million in 2022, and is expected to keep growing.

For Zimbabwe, which holds one of the largest lithium deposits globally, this presents an unparalleled opportunity for economic development through battery mineral extraction and processing. However, with opportunities come challenges, particularly in developing the skills required to navigate the complexities of battery mineral value chains. This is where organisations such as YMED believe immediate action is needed.

Ms Hazel Karoro, secretary-general of the Association of Junior Mining Professionals of Zimbabwe (AJMPZ) echoed Mr Magadhi’s sentiments, stressing that without proper skills transfer, Zimbabwe’s battery minerals sector could face serious constraints.

“We cannot emphasise enough how vital skills transfer is, especially in an industry that relies heavily on cutting-edge technologies. Battery manufacturing is complex, and if we want to become a competitive player in this space, we need to invest in training engineers, technicians, and other professionals,” Ms Karoro said.

She highlighted the need for industry involvement, noting that established mining firms should take an active role in training and upskilling Zimbabwean graduates.

“Foreign investors and large corporations must work closely with our institutions of higher learning. We need internships, mentorship programmes, and technical training to ensure that our workforce can manage the entire value chain, from extraction to processing and manufacturing,” she added.

The Government has previously announced its ambitions to process lithium locally to drive industrialisation and retain more value within the country. However, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Polite Kambamura recently acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, citing fluctuating global lithium prices and infrastructure issues as key hurdles. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the sector’s future.

“We understand that global lithium prices have been volatile, but Zimbabwe is committed to ensuring the sustainability of its lithium sector. While some miners may have scaled back operations due to market conditions, there are ongoing investments that signal a positive outlook,” he said.

Dr Kambamura said Government has established a balanced approach to lithium processing, as they continue to evaluate how best to promote local beneficiation without deterring investment.

“The Government is engaging with lithium miners on a case-by-case basis and remains open to dialogue to foster a conducive investment climate,” Dr Kambamura said.

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines has also advocated for a focus on skills transfer, stressing that local expertise is critical for the sustainable development of the battery minerals sector.

“Zimbabwe must build local capacity to manage the entire mining and processing value chain. Without this, we risk becoming reliant on foreign expertise, which undermines our long-term competitiveness.”

Similarly, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) emphasised that responsible mining practices must go hand in hand with skills development.

“Incorporating skills transfer in our mining sector is not just about economic benefits — it’s about ensuring environmental and social sustainability.

“Responsible mining practices will ensure that our natural resources are exploited in a manner that benefits future generations,” ZMF chief executive officer Mr Wellington Takavarasha said.

On the global stage, leading economies are investing heavily in battery manufacturing to secure their positions in the future green economy. In Europe, countries like Germany and France have launched initiatives to become global hubs for battery production, while China remains the world’s largest producer of lithium-ion batteries. The European Battery Alliance has been established to ensure that Europe can meet its future energy needs independently, with a focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

Zimbabwe’s role in this global ecosystem is critical, but it will only materialise if the country can harness its human capital. The battery manufacturing industry relies not just on raw materials but on skilled professionals who can handle the nuances of high-tech processes, from the extraction of lithium to the production of battery cells.

As the global demand for batteries continues to rise, Zimbabwe must invest in education and skills development to ensure that its workforce can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. Universities and technical colleges should be at the forefront of this effort, offering specialised programmes in mineral processing, battery technologies, and related fields.

Partnerships between the Government, private sector, and educational institutions are critical to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s graduates are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the battery minerals sector. The integration of local talent into the value chain will ensure that Zimbabwe is not merely an exporter of raw materials but a key player in the global battery manufacturing industry.

Prioritising skills transfer through junior mining professionals-led organisations reflects a broader recognition that Zimbabwe’s success in the battery minerals sector depends on the development of local expertise.

As global trends shift towards clean energy, Zimbabwe has a unique opportunity to capitalise on its lithium resources — provided that it invests in its people and promotes responsible, sustainable mining practices.

This future will be realised if Zimbabwe can build a skilled workforce that is capable of managing every step of the battery manufacturing process — from the ground to the grid.