Zimbabwe inks US $310M deal for Sandawana mine
A US $310million deal has been sealed between Kuvimba Mining House with with a consortium of British and Chinese investors for a mining development in Zimbabwe.
The deal includes a binding build, operate, and transfer (BOT) agreement to establish a 3 million metric ton per year ore processing plant at the Sandawana mine. The BOT with a duration of six years is expected to have a construction timeline of 18 months. Upon completion it will have annual output of 600,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate.
Role in lithium mining
The new lithium concentrator will play a crucial role in the initial stage of lithium processing. This stage involves crushing and leaching ore to produce saleable concentrates, which are then refined into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide—key components for battery production. Currently, Zimbabwe does not refine lithium domestically but exports concentrates to China for further processing.
Kuvimba’s latest project reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing Zimbabwe’s mining industry and enhancing its role in the global supply chain for critical minerals. By partnering with leading international investors, Kuvimba aims to boost the country’s lithium processing capabilities and create significant economic benefits.
Since 2021, Zimbabwe’s lithium sector has attracted over $1 billion in investments, mainly from Chinese battery metal firms. Notable Chinese companies involved include Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine Resource Group, Chengxin Lithium Group, Canmax Technologies, and Yahua Group. As the world transitions to sustainable energy technologies, lithium demand is expected to rise, making projects like the Sandawana mine crucial for meeting global needs.
