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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
LITHIUM extraction will be in the spotlight next week when the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association in conjunction with the World Resources Institute hosts a four-day Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) academy focusing on various issues affecting the sector.
The 7th academy set for Bulawayo at the Zimbabwe School of Mines will be running under the theme “Making Just Transition Inclusive for All: Empowering ASM to actively participate in the lithium value chain.”
The objectives of the academy are to raise awareness of the legal frameworks that govern the lithium mining and ASM sector in Zimbabwe and global trends and to have an understanding of the state of ASM lithium mining in Zimbabwe.
The organisers added that they seek to train ASM miners on responsible lithium mining and responsible business conduct. The course curriculum includes both theoretical presentations and practical group work, as well as field visits.
“Following the training, the participants will be equipped with increased knowledge on how to improve their processes in their own operations and to assist in better and more responsible artisanal mining of lithium,” reads the concept note.
ZELA said while local and international investors have been acquiring and setting up lithium mines, communities in Zimbabwe and the ASM have also been involved in lithium extraction.
It noted that research conducted in 2022 revealed that while ASM is now involved in lithium mining, there is little or no regard for safe mining practices with the risk of increased accidents.
“ZELA’s interaction with the lithium ASM miners has also revealed that the miners do not have the adequate technical skills and knowledge to be extracting the mineral.
“Women miners in particular have shared that they do not understand the pricing system let alone the grading process for them to actively participate in the value chain. As such the ASM miners are disadvantaged and need to have these gaps addressed for them to actively engage in the lithium value chain.”
The mining sector is one of the major economic mainstays anticipated to contribute exponentially towards the attainment of Vision 2030 where the Government aspires to make Zimbabwe an upper middle-income economy.
The lithium sector has emerged as a major recipient of foreign direct investment, with several Chinese-owned mining companies establishing processing facilities in the country.
This influx of investment has played a crucial role in driving the growth of the lithium industry. The meteoric rise in lithium production highlights Zimbabwe’s vast potential in the global battery metals market.
It is estimated that the country boasts some of the world’s largest lithium deposits, and its position as a major producer is poised to strengthen in the coming years.
Online Reporter