President Mnangagwa opens huge lithium mine

Buhera (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday commissioned Sabi Star, a multi-million dollar lithium mine in Buhera, a project expected to transform the arid region, and help the country achieve its target of a US$12 billion mining industry by year end.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said the completion and commissioning of the lithium processing plant reflects Government’s unflinching focus on accelerating the country’s economic prosperity.

“The mining sector remains critical for the realisation of our national Vision 2030, through employment creation, GDP growth and foreign currency generation,” said President Mnangagwa.

He added that the construction of the Lithium (Flotation) Processing Plant at Sabi Star was in line with Government’s call for the beneficiation and value addition of the country’s mineral resources against the backdrop of a growing global demand for lithium.

“The growing global demand for lithium and the presence of our own processing facilities reduces exports of unprocessed minerals and positions Zimbabwe as a key player in the lithium markets. Over and above, enhancing profitability and foreign currency generation,” he added.

President Mnangagwa assured the nation that Government was ready to support the further growth and innovation of the mining sector to propel modernisation and industrialisation through favorable policies that attract both national and foreign investors.

“This includes maintaining the current mining sector growth trajectory by guaranteeing clear and predictable frameworks to ensure that the global capital feels safe in our country. We are determined to propel modernisation, industrialisation and deliver the next generation of jobs, through economic production and productivity. My Government through heritage 5.0 continues to modernise the education sector which will ensure that the future mining sector workforce will have the requisite skills and competencies,” he said.

The Government of Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding with Eagle Canyon International Group and Pacific Goal Investments in September 2022 for the establishment of a lithium mine and processing plant in Buhera.

Earth works for the processing plant were started in June 2022, with plant construction reaching 50 percent in December 2022, testing phase in May 2023 and full commissioning in August 2023.

Construction of a 15 MW thermal power plant to supply power for all operations at the mine is now 40 percent complete.

Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando said the mining industry was on course to attaining the targeted US$12 billion mark in terms of export value.

“The 2030 vision is taking place day by day, the 2023 US$12 billion mining industry is in motion. The establishment of Sabi Star helps us all see the greater context to which the mining industry is growing and the greater context in which Zimbabwe as a nation is growing,” Chitando said.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Manicaland, Nokuthula Matsikenyere applauded Government for its commitment towards the development of the mining industry which she said would contribute significantly to the province’s GDP.

The full-scale production of lithium concentrate at Sabi Star is expected to give an annual turnover of US$600 million.

The mine has 55 mining claims situated across 3 800 hectares and is expected to boost foreign currency generation and employment creation for the locals.

Since 2017,the mining sector has exceeded US$20 billion in cumulative mineral exports and is on track to achieve the US$12 billion mining sector by year end.

The vast array of strategic mineral resource endowments, coupled with increased capacity utilisation and stable national energy supply, among other factors, are set to spur sustained growth of the mining sector.

New Ziana