Story by Tichaona Kurewa
KAMATIVI Mining Company (KMC) has commissioned phase one of its modern lithium processing plant, a significant step for Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
This monumental milestone marks a significant leap forward for the country’s burgeoning lithium industry and its aspirations to become a major player in the global green energy revolution.
The new processing plant has a capacity to produce 50 000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per annum which will be processed into lithium salts.
“We recently commissioned our processing plant with a capacity to produce 50 000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per annum. Production will start soon and currently for this phase we are relying on a 33KV power line from Hwange. For phase two, we have plans to construct a 88 KV power line to augment power supplies. We have also constructed a dam nearby to ensure a reliable and efficient water supply for the plant. We are grateful for the support that the government has given us to this end,” said Kamativi Mining Company mine manager, Mr Tatenda Mangeya.
The commissioning of the US$10 million processing plant is a new dawn for the people of Kamativi.
Kamativi Ward 11 councillor, Councillor Josh Tshuma said, “We are grateful, the greater number of people from this community are now employed here, resultantly, they are now able to take care of their families through payment of fees and other necessities. The mine has breathed life again into this community which has been poverty-stricken for years.”
Once a vibrant mine known for tin production, the closure of Kamativi Mine back in 1994 created a ghost town which the Second Republic is resuscitating through the engagement and re-engagement drive.
Kamativi Mining Company, a joint venture between Sichuan Pude Technology Group from China and Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), is employing over 1 000 employees directly and indirectly.
Zimbabwe is targeting a US$12 billion mining industry by the end of this year.
