Gwanda Lithium Mine finished building its new plant worth many millions. The government permitted them to send their mined lithium overseas. They plan to ship this valuable mineral straight to China soon. Mines Minister Winston Chitando shared this news recently when speaking to Parliament members.
This represents just one of several huge lithium projects happening across Zimbabwe lately. People want much more lithium worldwide because electric car batteries need it. Chinese businesses keep investing lots of money in Zimbabwe's mining areas. These include a $300 million processing facility at Bikita and another $300 million plant near Harare at the Arcadia project.
Everyone wants Zimbabwe's lithium because it helps create clean energy systems. Electric cars depend on this mineral for their batteries, and renewable energy storage systems also require large amounts of lithium. Minister Chitando explained that the Chinese company already asked for official export paperwork.
The mine has been producing around 1,500 tonnes of lithium every day since January 2024, which shows how efficient its operation has become. The government authorized it to ship 5,000 tonnes as a test run to China. This trial helps establish business connections for future sales in the global battery market.
Local communities benefit from these mining activities through jobs. About 300 people work at the mine, with 80 percent coming from nearby areas. The company expects yearly production to reach one million tonnes of raw ore. When running at full capacity, it also plans to make 200,000 tonnes of concentrated lithium annually.
This $54 million mining business belongs to Chinese investor Tsingshan Holdings Limited Group. The same parent company recently built the $1.5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel factory in Mvuma. They also run Dinson Colliery in Hwange and Afrochine Smelting near Chegutu. These projects demonstrate their major commitment to Zimbabwe.
Tsingshan previously mentioned they want to make lithium batteries in Zimbabwe, which explains why they bought mining rights in Gwanda first. Their plan involves using lithium from these mines to supply their future battery factory. Making batteries adds much more value than just selling raw materials.
Minister Chitando also discussed mining around the Boterekwa mountains. Two companies currently operate there: Chenxi Mining Company and Saironi Mining Company. Both purchased existing mining locations from previous owners. Chenxi focuses on surface gold mining and heap-leaching processes.
Saironi handles both underground and surface mining operations. They crush, mill, and process materials using carbon in pulp and elution techniques. These activities highlight expanding investments across different mining sectors. Zimbabwe keeps attracting more business because of friendly government policies toward mining companies.
The government encourages modern processing technologies through its regulations. Better processing increases both production amounts and quality levels, making Zimbabwe's minerals more attractive in international markets. All these developments help diversify the country's mining industry beyond traditional resources.
This represents just one of several huge lithium projects happening across Zimbabwe lately. People want much more lithium worldwide because electric car batteries need it. Chinese businesses keep investing lots of money in Zimbabwe's mining areas. These include a $300 million processing facility at Bikita and another $300 million plant near Harare at the Arcadia project.
Everyone wants Zimbabwe's lithium because it helps create clean energy systems. Electric cars depend on this mineral for their batteries, and renewable energy storage systems also require large amounts of lithium. Minister Chitando explained that the Chinese company already asked for official export paperwork.
The mine has been producing around 1,500 tonnes of lithium every day since January 2024, which shows how efficient its operation has become. The government authorized it to ship 5,000 tonnes as a test run to China. This trial helps establish business connections for future sales in the global battery market.
Local communities benefit from these mining activities through jobs. About 300 people work at the mine, with 80 percent coming from nearby areas. The company expects yearly production to reach one million tonnes of raw ore. When running at full capacity, it also plans to make 200,000 tonnes of concentrated lithium annually.
This $54 million mining business belongs to Chinese investor Tsingshan Holdings Limited Group. The same parent company recently built the $1.5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel factory in Mvuma. They also run Dinson Colliery in Hwange and Afrochine Smelting near Chegutu. These projects demonstrate their major commitment to Zimbabwe.
Tsingshan previously mentioned they want to make lithium batteries in Zimbabwe, which explains why they bought mining rights in Gwanda first. Their plan involves using lithium from these mines to supply their future battery factory. Making batteries adds much more value than just selling raw materials.
Minister Chitando also discussed mining around the Boterekwa mountains. Two companies currently operate there: Chenxi Mining Company and Saironi Mining Company. Both purchased existing mining locations from previous owners. Chenxi focuses on surface gold mining and heap-leaching processes.
Saironi handles both underground and surface mining operations. They crush, mill, and process materials using carbon in pulp and elution techniques. These activities highlight expanding investments across different mining sectors. Zimbabwe keeps attracting more business because of friendly government policies toward mining companies.
The government encourages modern processing technologies through its regulations. Better processing increases both production amounts and quality levels, making Zimbabwe's minerals more attractive in international markets. All these developments help diversify the country's mining industry beyond traditional resources.
