After nearly 30 years of slumber, Zimbabwe’s iconic Kamativi Mine is poised for a spectacular comeback, this time chasing a new treasure: lithium. The once-bustling tin mine, which employed 3,000 workers before its closure in 1994, has undergone a transformative metamorphosis, emerging with a modern lithium processing plant ready to rumble.
This ambitious project, a joint venture between China’s Sichuan Pude Technology Group and Zimbabwe’s Mining Development Corporation, marks a significant milestone in the country’s mining industry. With President Mnangagwa expected to officially launch the operation in the first quarter of 2024, the anticipation is electric.
The revitalized Kamativi Mine will target a hefty 50,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per year, a key precursor to lithium salts used in batteries for electric vehicles and other electronics. Powering this ambitious endeavor is a robust 33KV line, with plans for an 88KV upgrade in the pipeline, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Additionally, the company has constructed its own dam to guarantee a reliable water supply, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices.
The mine’s reopening is much more than just an economic boon. It holds immense potential to revitalize the surrounding Hwange district, which languished as a ghost town after the mine’s closure.
