President Emmerson Mnangagwa Inaugurates Kamativi Mine
by Priviledge Zviregei
His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially commissioned the Kamativi Mine Company’s 2.3 MT spodumene mining and processing project’s first phase. The president’s arrival at Kamativi Mine in Hwange marked a momentous occasion for the country’s lithium industry.
Kamativi Mine Company, a joint venture between Sichuan PD Technology Group, a subsidiary of the Chinese-listed entity Yahua Group, and local partner Defold Mine (Private) Limited, has been diligently operating since 2019. Focused primarily on lithium exploration, mining, and processing, the company aims to revitalize the Kamativi region, which was once a thriving tin mine until its closure in 1994 due to plummeting international tin prices.
Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, Phase One of the Kamativi Mine is currently running successfully, yielding impressive results. The mine is producing 300,000 tonnes of raw ore and an additional 50,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually. Excitingly, Phase Two is already under construction and is scheduled for completion by mid-year. Once finished, it will further escalate production to an impressive 2.3 million tonnes of raw ore and 300,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate each year.
The Kamativi Mine project has not only contributed to the growth of Zimbabwe’s mining industry but has also had a positive impact on employment in the region. The mine has directly provided jobs for 260 individuals, while an additional 1,000 employees have been indirectly employed through downstream contracts. This boost in employment opportunities is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy, fostering development and prosperity.
Furthermore, Kamativi Mine Company has demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility by actively engaging in various community initiatives. The company has contributed to the improvement of local schools, clinics, roads, and water provision, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a solar project aimed at enhancing energy generation in the region.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presence at the Kamativi Mine inauguration reaffirms the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment and attracting foreign investment. The lithium industry’s growth not only positions Zimbabwe as a key player in the global lithium market but also opens up significant opportunities for economic advancement and technological innovation within the country.
