Story by Tichaona Kurewa
KAMATIVI Mining Company (KMC) has begun constructing a lithium sulphate processing plant as it moves to comply with the government’s ban on the export of raw lithium.
Zimbabwe banned the export of all raw minerals last month as part of efforts to promote value addition and ensure the country benefits more from its mineral resources.
Kamitivi Mining Company (KMC) is in full support of the government’s policy direction, which seeks to encourage domestic processing of minerals.
“Regarding the ban on raw mineral exports, we sincerely appreciate and stand in support of the Government of Zimbabwe and also appreciate protection from the government of Zimbabwe for many investments. We fully understand and firmly support the micro policy direction that promotes prohibiting the export of raw materials and promoting greater value addition through domestic processing. We have started the lithium sulphate construction already. We are pushing harder and faster,” Kamativi Mining Company, chief operating officer, Mr Dexi Liang said.
Residents of Kamativi in Hwange District are convinced value addition of lithium will bring significant economic benefits to the area.
“We will be getting more jobs in Kamativi. If those minerals can be processed here, I think Kamativi can benefit a lot,” Kamativi Residents Association chairperson, Mr Timothy Mvula said.
The raw minerals export ban is further anticipated to rake in more revenue from the mining sector, which will propel national development projects while also ensuring skills transfer.
Kamativi was once home to one of Zimbabwe’s largest tin mines, and residents hope the new lithium investments will continue to revive economic activity in the area, domiciled under Chief Nekatambe in Matabeleland North province.
