Zimbabwe’s Sandawana Mine to Build Nation’s Largest Lithium Concentrator as Kuvimba Confirms 2027 Commissioning
Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) has announced that Sandawana Mines will begin construction of a large-scale lithium concentrator plant within the next four to six months, positioning it to become Zimbabwe’s largest lithium processing operation.
The update was delivered by KMH Group Chief Executive Officer Trevor Barnard during a stakeholder briefing at the Sandawana lithium mine in Mberengwa.
Addressing community members, government officials, and traditional leaders, Barnard acknowledged that the project had taken “longer than initially planned” but confirmed it is now firmly on track following the finalisation of key partnership agreements.
2027 Commissioning Target Set
Barnard outlined an ambitious timeline, with the lithium concentrator expected to be commissioned in the first or second quarter of 2027. He described Sandawana as “one of the best—if not the best—lithium resource in Zimbabwe,” emphasising that the mine is already producing high-purity concentrate that surpasses international benchmarks.
Zimbabwe to Retain Full Ownership
A major highlight of the announcement was the reaffirmation that Sandawana will remain the only wholly Zimbabwe-owned lithium mine.
“This mine will belong to Zimbabwe, and it will produce lithium for Zimbabweans,” Barnard said, underscoring the strategic importance of national ownership amid rising global demand for battery minerals.
BOT Model with Chinese Partners
The project will be developed under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) arrangement. KMH’s partners—Chinese metals giants Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. and Tsingshan Holding Group Co.—will finance, construct, and operate the concentrator plant.
In a notable departure from typical industry deals, the partners will hold no equity in Sandawana Mine. They will recover their investment over an agreed operational period, during which they will also train Zimbabwean professionals, before handing full control of the plant back to KMH.
Production and Future Beneficiation
Once operational, Sandawana is expected to produce over 500,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate per year. Long-term plans include advancing into lithium sulphate production, in alignment with government policy to strengthen local beneficiation and value addition.
Next Steps Toward Construction
With commercial agreements finalised, KMH is now working to complete remaining conditions precedent—most critically Cabinet approval.
Following approval, the first physical works at the site will involve earthworks, land levelling, and compaction, followed by foundation construction and installation of large processing equipment.
Barnard concluded by reaffirming KMH’s commitment to its community obligations, assuring stakeholders that “all promises will be honoured” as the project enters its critical construction phase.
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