China’s pursuit of steady lithium supplies leads to a surge in investment in African lithium projects, with Zimbabwe emerging as a hotspot for Chinese capital infusion.
The Kamativi lithium processing plant in Zimbabwe, a joint venture between China’s Sichuan PD Technology Group and local firm Defold Mine, underscores China’s growing presence in Africa’s lithium industry.
This venture, along with others in Mali, Ethiopia, the DRC, and Namibia, is set to significantly boost Africa’s lithium output.
Chinese investments in Zimbabwe’s lithium sector, including facilities by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine Resource Group, and Chengxin Lithium Group, highlight Africa’s rising importance in global lithium supply chains.
According to Benchmark Minerals, Africa’s lithium production is poised to nearly triple in 2024, with Zimbabwe expected to lead the region’s output.
This surge reflects China’s efforts to secure critical minerals and meet the rising demand for battery metals amid the global transition to green energy.
While China’s dominance in the lithium-ion battery industry persists, its reliance on African lithium resources underscores Africa’s strategic significance in the global supply chain.
This trend has prompted the United States to seek partnerships in Africa to reduce its dependence on Chinese imports of critical minerals like graphite.
As America and its allies explore opportunities in Africa’s mineral-rich regions, the continent’s lithium industry is poised for substantial growth, reshaping global dynamics in the battery metals market.
