Marula Mining, a battery metals investment and exploration company focused on Africa, has announced its withdrawal from planned exploration and acquisition activities in Zimbabwe.
The company, through its 80%-owned subsidiary Muchai Mining, had initiated efforts in mid-2023 to secure advanced lithium and copper mining projects in Zimbabwe.
However, despite Zimbabwe’s mining sector offering attractive opportunities, the company stated it could not identify projects meeting its strict internal criteria regarding grade, cost, and rapid development potential.
Marula Mining has decided to channel its resources toward key projects in Tanzania, South Africa, and Kenya.
- Kinusi Copper Mine, Tanzania: The company’s high-grade Kinusi copper mine remains a priority, with initial copper sales slated for December 31, 2024. Independent geological consultants estimate an exploration target of 10–15 million tonnes of high-grade copper, gold, and other base metals.
- Kenya: Additional high-grade copper mining and processing opportunities are undergoing technical due diligence in the country.
- Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Mine, South Africa: Marula’s focus on lithium mining is anchored at the Blesberg mine. The company is negotiating a joint venture to commission and operate a lithium acid leaching plant, aiming to produce intermediate lithium products for battery manufacturing.
Marula is also advancing technical reviews of two low-cost lithium brine projects in South Africa and Botswana, which are expected to bolster its position as a producer of high-value lithium products in Southern Africa.
To support its growth strategy, Marula Mining has appointed Richard Hawken as a consultant specializing in metals trading and critical battery metals commodity sales.
Hawken brings over 15 years of experience in commodity sales, trading, and marketing across Africa, including senior roles in South Africa and the UK.
His expertise spans sourcing and trading base and critical metals, structured offtake agreements, commodity financing, and supply chain logistics.
In his new role, Hawken will focus on securing and managing sales and marketing agreements for Marula’s planned production in 2025.
He will also assist in finalizing the proposed joint venture with a Chinese battery manufacturer for the lithium acid leaching plant at Blesberg mine.
CEO Jason Brewer expressed confidence in Hawken’s appointment, stating:
“I’ve known and worked with Richard for several years. His extensive experience in metals trading and offtake negotiations will significantly strengthen our ability to maximize value across our critical metals portfolio.”
Hawken shared his enthusiasm for joining Marula, emphasizing the company’s focus on delivering high-value products to global markets and its growth potential in Africa.
Marula Mining’s strategic redirection and leadership enhancements reflect its commitment to capitalizing on high-value opportunities across East and Southern Africa.
With its critical metals portfolio and robust partnerships, the company is poised for sustained growth in the global battery metals market.
