In a significant stride towards economic development, the Sabi Star lithium-tantalum project, situated in the Sabi Star mine area of eastern Zimbabwe, is making remarkable progress.
During the construction phase, the project employed more than 1,000 individuals, primarily drawn from the local communities, reflecting its commitment to fostering regional growth.
At present, the project sustains a workforce of 450 employees on-site, further solidifying its positive impact on the local labor market.
One of the project’s key milestones is the construction of a 15 MW thermal power plant, intended to power all mining operations. This crucial infrastructure is now 40% complete, highlighting the project’s dedication to sustainable and self-sufficient operations.
Located under the jurisdiction of Manicaland Province, the Sabi Star lithium-tantalum project is strategically positioned, with road access to Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, just 180km to the northwest.
The provincial capital, Mutare, is only 60km to the east. Despite the rugged roads within the mining rights area, convenient railway and highway connections are accessible from the northeastern part of Harare’s mining area, leading to Mozambique’s Beira port, which is approximately 300km away.
A pivotal moment in the project’s journey occurred in September 2022 when the Government of Zimbabwe entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Eagle Canyon International Group and Pacific Goal Investments.
The objective of this collaboration is the establishment of a Lithium Mine and Processing Plant in Buhera, Manicaland Province.
The overarching goal is to construct and operate a Spodumene mine capable of producing 1 million tonnes and a processing plant with a daily capacity of 3,000 tonnes, ultimately generating a 5.5% Spodumene concentrate.
The Sabi Star lithium-tantalum project holds an impressive total of 40 mining rights licenses for rare metal blocks, encompassing a vast area spanning 2,637 hectares.
Notably, five of these mining rights blocks have already demonstrated promising potential, boasting an average Li2O grade of 1.98%.
As part of its ambitious expansion plan, the project is gearing up to explore the remaining 35 mining rights simultaneously, underlining its commitment to harnessing the region’s mineral wealth.
The ultimate vision for the Sabi Star lithium-tantalum project is to achieve an annual production of 900,000 tons of raw ore, which translates to approximately 200,000 tons of lithium concentrate.
This remarkable feat has already been set in motion, with the project successfully entering operation in May 2023.
As it continues to grow and develop, the Sabi Star project represents a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s mining landscape, promising both economic prosperity and sustainable resource management.
