LITHIUM Mining giant, Sinomine Bikita Minerals is working on a US$400 million lithium smelting facility aimed at enhancing local processing and beneficiation capacity.
This emerged during a tour of the company’s US$35 million cesium flotation plant which is nearing commissioning.
The plant enables the extraction of cesium from petalite tailings, a process that officials said is both environmentally sustainable and economically strategic.
Sinomine Bikita Minerals vice-general manager Amanda Makausi said they are now in the commissioning phase of a US$35 million cesium flotation plant.
“This investment is strategic as it allows us to recover cesium from sinks in petalite tailings without the need for new hard rock mining,” she said.
“It enhances our sustainability while also contributing to global technology supply chains.
“The cesium-bearing mineral, pollucite, extracted at this plant is used in advanced technologies, including electronics, medical devices and aerospace applications.”
Makausi said the commissioning of the plant not only reinforces Zimbabwe’s participation in global markets, but also contributes to sustainable mining practices by reprocessing existing waste material.
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She also noted progress on the US$400 million lithium smelting facility value addition and beneficiation of natural resources before export.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Ezra Chadzamira emphasised the need for beneficiation.
“This plant is a testament to how serious we are as a country about beneficiation,” he said.
“It brings enormous benefits to the nation economically, socially, and technologically.
“We are especially excited about the role this facility will play in uplifting the surrounding community.”
