Bikita Minerals resumes operations
Sinomine Resource Group’s Zimbabwean lithium mining unit, Bikita Minerals, has resumed operations after resolving issues related to labor management and regulatory concerns.
The mine had temporarily suspended operations on May 15 to allow for government inspections. Sinomine stated that special inspections and rectifications had been conducted on labor management and other subcontractor-related matters, leading to the resumption of operations.
Zimbabwe’s lithium resources
Zimbabwe is banking on its significant lithium deposits to help revive its struggling economy, as the global push for cleaner energy fuels demand for battery minerals. Sinomine acquired Bikita Minerals for $180 million in January 2022 and has further invested $200 million to expand operations at the mine. This includes the construction of two lithium processing plants with an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate and 480,000 tonnes of petalite. Spodumene is a crucial battery mineral, while petalite finds applications in the glass and ceramic industries. The commissioning of the two plants is scheduled for July.
Chinese firms have shown substantial interest in Zimbabwe’s lithium resources, with investments exceeding $700 million. Companies like Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Chengxin Lithium Group, and Canmax Technologies are among the Chinese entities that have made investments in the country. Zimbabwe possesses some of the world’s largest hard rock lithium deposits, making it an attractive destination for lithium mining and related ventures.
