Kamativi Mine’s processing plant nears completion
Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE country’s quest to attain a US$12 billion mining industry by the end of the year is on course, with the Kamativi Mining Company lithium processing plant nearing completion.
Once a vibrant mine known for tin production, the closure of Kamativi Mine back in 1994 created a ghost town that the Second Republic is resuscitating through the engagement and re-engagement effort.
It is a new dawn for the people of Kamativi and the mining industry after revelations by the mining company during a tour of the mine this Wednesday, that its US$10 million lithium processing plant is nearing completion.
“We are expediting the completion of phase one of our processing plant to feed into the attainment of the US$12 billion mining industry by the end of this year. To date, we have so far completed the installation of a jaw crusher, ball mill, thickener, electricity substation, floatation machine and other key parts of the processing plant. The plant can process one thousand tonnes of lithium per day and will be completed in early October,” said the mine’s chief operating officer, Mr Dexi Liang.
The mining firm also gave an insight into operations at the mine.
He added, “We are currently seized with stripping and over-burden removal. We expect mining operations to begin mid-September and all systems are in place to ensure that everything happens in that order. So far we have invested over US$50 million at the lithium mine.”
The Kamativi community is equally grateful for the re-opening of the mine.
“We are grateful, we now have work I’m now financially independent,” said one of the community members.
Another added, “As a young professional geologist, this mine has fulfilled my dream.”
Kamativi Ward 11 Councillor, Mr Josh Tshuma said, “The mine is helping this community with employment reducing crime, drug abuse and other social ills. We are grateful to the government for arranging this investment, this will re-live Kamativi again.”
Kamativi Mining Company, a joint venture between Sichuan Pude Technology Group from China and Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) has a workforce of 700 employees.
Zimbabwe is targeting a US$12 billion mining industry by the end of the year.
