Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
LITHIUM giant, Sinomine Bikita Minerals, has set up a new cesium plant worth US$35 million that allows the extraction of a rare mineral which contains cesium from sinks in petalite tailing dumps in line with the government’s value addition and beneficiation thrust.
The new cesium flotation plant, already operational and awaiting official commissioning, is believed to be the first of its kind in Zimbabwe, and possibly in the world.
It is expected to produce tonnes of pollucite, a cesium-bearing mineral, positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in global high-tech mineral supply chains.
The Masvingo Provincial Joint Command, led by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, recently toured the project to assess progress at Sinomine Bikita Minerals.
“We are in the commissioning phase of a cesium flotation plant, which is an investment of US$35 million, and it’s the first of its kind. This is a strategic investment that allows us to extract cesium from sinks in petalite tailings dumps. This is a critical diversification effort, and importantly, it does not involve fresh hard rock mining as it allows us to unlock value from existing tailings, and it supports our long-term financial sustainability,” Sinomine Bikita Minerals Vice General Manager, Ms Amanda Makausi said.
Honourable Chadzamira said the government is committed to enhancing local beneficiation and capturing greater economic value from the country’s vast lithium and rare mineral resources.
“As a government, we are encouraged by the progress at Bikita Minerals. Today, we toured several ongoing projects, including the new cesium flotation plant. This is in line with the government’s thrust of value addition and beneficiation. We are pleased that this plant is potentially a world first, and it brings immense benefits to the local community and the nation at large,” he said.
As Sinomine Bikita Minerals Company continues to expand, the surrounding community is expecting more benefits.
“As a community, we welcome developments happening in our area, and we are happy that the government continues to engage both the investor and the community to ensure a win-win situation. We expect our community to benefit from these expansion projects through corporate social responsibility and employment opportunities.
“The developments happening here in Bikita through Sinomine Bikita Minerals Company are directly benefiting the community, and we expect more of our children to be employed as the government continues to lure investors and create a conducive environment for the expansion of their investments,” the beneficiaries of the project said.
The delegation also toured some of the projects undertaken by Bikita Minerals, including the newly established clinic and accommodation facilities for workers.
Bikita Minerals has also announced plans to establish a new smelting facility worth US$400 million for further value addition of lithium.
