Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) is on the brink of a significant milestone as its Lithium Mine, located in Hwange district, gears up for production.
The former tin mine, once a bustling workplace for around 3,000 employees until its closure in 1994, is now undergoing a transformation with the recent commissioning of its phase one modern lithium processing plant.
This ambitious project, a collaborative effort between China’s Sichuan Pude Technology Group and the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), is slated to be inaugurated by President Mnangagwa in the first quarter of the current year.
The cutting-edge processing plant boasts a substantial capacity, set to produce 50,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually, subsequently refined into valuable lithium salts.
While the plant initially relies on a 33KV power line from Hwange, future plans include the construction of an 88KV power line. To ensure a reliable water supply, the company has also constructed a dam.
The revival of Kamativi Mine is poised to breathe life back into the region, stimulating economic growth and job creation.
The closure of the mine in 1994 had cast a shadow over the local community, turning it into a ghost town. However, the resurgence of the mining operations is instilling new hope.
Lithium is emerging as a key player in Zimbabwe’s mineral exports, positioned as the third-largest after gold and platinum group metals.
As demand for lithium intensifies, especially in the burgeoning electric vehicle industry, Kamativi’s lithium deposits are forecasted to generate significant revenue, estimated at a substantial US$2 billion.
Beyond lithium, Kamativi Mine holds deposits of tantalite, beryl, copper, beryllium, spodumene, petalite, and limestone, presenting additional avenues for economic exploitation.
The mine’s reopening aligns with Zimbabwe’s strategy to diversify its mining sector and attract foreign investment.
The Matabeleland North Province is poised to become a major lithium producer for the country, marking a significant step towards economic development.
The rejuvenation of Kamativi Mine as a lithium operation is instrumental in achieving this goal and contributing to Zimbabwe’s overall economic landscape.
