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Vice President Kembo Mohadi is today touring the Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe plant in Goromonzi.
PLZ, a subsidiary of China’s Huayou Cobalt Limited commenced operations in 2022.
It has invested a total of US$4 million in various programmes, including corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Huayou, one of the world’s biggest producers of lithium-ion batteries and new cobalt materials bought a controlling stake in the Goromonzi mine from Australia-headquartered mining group, Prospect
Resources, for US$377,8 million in 2021.
As part of its projects aimed at uplifting the living standards of communities from which it operates, PLZ has implemented initiatives focused on infrastructural development, agriculture, reducing environmental degradation and improving access to public health and education in Goromonzi District.
Our Reporters Blessings Chidakwa and Victor Maphosa are in Goromonzi and will keep you updated during the course of the day.
VP arrives in Goromonzi
VP Mohadi has arrived at the Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe in Goromonzi where he is expected to tour the company’s mine and lithium processing plant.
He is accompanied by seniour Government officials, including the Minister of State for Mashonaland East
Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo.
A tree named KCD is planted
VP Kembo Mohadi has planted a Quinine Tree as part of his tour of the Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe plant in Goromonzi.
He was given the honour of naming the tree.
The VP named the tree KCD, most likely from his name Kembo Campbell Dugish.
Significance of planting trees
Trees help to combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide, and removing and storing carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air.
They also reduce wind speeds and cool the air as they lose moisture and reflect heat upwards from their leaves. It’s estimated that trees can reduce the temperature in a city by up to 7°C.
Other environmental benefits include the fact they help to prevent flooding and soil erosion, by absorbing thousands of litres of stormwater.
Trees help to improve air quality by intercepting and trapping dust and other pollutants from the air. The shade of trees also provides a useful barrier to harmful ultra-violet radiation from the sun.
So, as you can see, humans, animals and the environment depend upon trees for survival. Therefore, as deforestation continues, especially through mining, we must put back what we’re taking away.
By planting more trees, it will contribute to global reforestation efforts, restoring lost forests, repairing damaged ecosystems and mitigating climate changes.
VP Mohadi lauds Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe for embracing modern mining technology
Vice President Kembo Mohadi has said the Government is pleased with the modern mining technologies and practices brought by Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe into the country.
Speaking during a tour of the mine this morning, VP Mohadi said the modern technology and practices include more efficient extraction methods, improved ore processing techniques and advanced safety protocols.
“We must leverage these advancements to improve overall efficiency and sustainability in the mining sector,” he said.
VP Mohadi said the Government is aware of the environmental risks associated with mining and is glad that PLZ has adopted a robust Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) framework.
“PLZ’s environmental practices such as tree planting show the company’s commitment to adhere to set environmental standards,” he said.
Mine lauds Government support
Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe has lauded the Government for the conducive operating environment prevalent in the country.
In his remarks during VP Mohadi’s tour of the facility, PLZ general manager Mr Henry Zhou said the company is grateful for Government’s continued support.
“We are thrilled to have had an opportunity to showcase our operations to the Vice President.
The Government support for the lithium industry is crucial to our success and we appreciate the Vice
President’s interest in the project,” he said.
He said through Government’s support, PLZ is now in a position to meaningfully contribute towards the attainment of the country’s Vision 2030.
Goromonzi community benefits from lithium miner’s initiatives
Beyond its business operations, PLZ has fully embraced its role in the development of Mashonaland East
Province through various corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The company has successfully 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.
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