Story by Theophilus Chuma, Investigative Editor
LITHIUM mining giant, Kuvimba Mining House, a major player in Zimbabwe’s lithium mining sector, is finalising a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with international investors, which will pave the way for the construction of a lithium processing plant at its Sandawana mine in Mberengwa.
Sandawana Mines, which boasts one of the largest lithium reserves in the country, is home to an estimated 100 million tonnes of ore, positioning it as the world’s fifth-largest lithium reserve.
The high grade of the ore at Sandawana has attracted substantial international investment interest.
Preliminary findings suggest that the ore quality is exceptionally high, further bolstering the mine’s appeal to potential investors.
The BOT agreement, which is set to be finalised by mid-year, will facilitate the construction of a modern processing plant at Sandawana, enabling the efficient extraction and processing of lithium.
“We are working on a BOT deal with our partners and it is now at an advanced stage. The investment will help us to start building the mine and a processing plant which we expect to begin by mid –year,” Group CEO – Kuvimba Mining House, Engineer Trevor Barnard said.
Sandawana Mine is one of the important portfolios under Kuvimba Mining House, and it is expected to produce at least half a million tonnes of concentrates, translating to potential income of US$250 million per annum, according to official estimates.
Establishment of new mines, revival of struggling ones and expansion of existing one are the key priorities of the second Republic, which is leveraging on mining, among other sectors, for national economic growth.
