Minister Kambamura is expected to highlight the vital role of policy, infrastructure development and international cooperation in driving the exploration and production of critical minerals including lithium, copper and platinum in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe – which makes up a 10% share of the global lithium market – has seen a sharp increase in new value-added projects since implementing an export ban on raw lithium in 2022 to attract downstream investment. Feasibility studies for the $310-million Sandawana lithium mine and processing facility are expected to be completed by November 2024, with the project set to produce 500,000 tons of lithium annually by 2026. The development complements other large-scale lithium projects in Zimbabwe, including Rwizi Rukuru’s Mutoko project, Shengxiang Investments’ Goromonzi facility, Sinomone’s Bikita plant, Chengxin Lithium’s Sabi Star Mine and Huayou Cobalt’s Arcadia project, further cementing Zimbabwe’s contribution to the global energy transition. With a production capacity of 400,000 tons of refined lithium per annum, the Arcadia project represents Zimbabwe’s largest lithium production and processing facility, showcasing the impact of the country’s export ban in value-adding and maximizing monetization of the country’s lithium resources.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 - 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4 - 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting [email protected]

In addition to lithium, Zimbabwe is ramping up platinum production to capitalize on increasing demand for the mineral in green hydrogen applications. International mining firms have signed several multi-million-dollar deals for new platinum projects and increased production at existing facilities, with Zimbabwe’s total platinum output rising by 6% year-on-year in 2023. Exploration activities at the Selous PGM project – led by Canada’s Bravura Group – have uncovered significant platinum resources and could solidify Zimbabwe’s status as holder of the world’s third-largest platinum reserves, with first production expected in 2025.

In the copper industry, lucrative prospects for global stakeholders are expanding as Zimbabwe intensifies exploration and production to enhance its contribution to the global market for economic growth and the energy transition. State-owned entity the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation and Chinese company Zhi Jui Mining commissioned a $5 million copper processing facility at Mhangura Mine in November 2023. With a processing capacity of 26 million tons of copper per annum, the facility aligns with Zimbabwe’s agenda to bolster critical mineral output for economic growth. In March 2023, UK-mining firm Marula established a copper mining subsidiary in Zimbabwe to capitalize on the country’s untapped prospects and the global energy transition.

At CMA 2024, Minister Kambamura will provide insights into these developments and the broader evolution of Zimbabwe’s critical mineral industry.