In the past three years, there has been a significant increase in lithium mining activity in Southern Africa. This trend has been highlighted by the consulting firm AmaranthCX, particularly in Zimbabwe’s hard-rock pegmatite lithium sector. This is significant because the demand for lithium, which is essential for modern technologies like electric batteries, has been rising globally.
Zimbabwe has emerged as a leader in lithium production, thanks to several major mining projects and foreign investments. The Arcadia lithium project, which was initially developed by the Australian firm Prospect Resources and is located near Harare, is a noteworthy operation. It was acquired by the Chinese company Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt for $378 million in 2022. Since the acquisition, Huayou has invested an additional $300 million to develop a mine and processing plant that aims to produce 450,000 tonnes per year of lithium concentrate.
Zimbabwe’s position as a leader in lithium production has been further solidified by the Bikita Minerals mine, which has been operational for over a century and is located near Masvingo. The mine is known as one of the world’s largest producers of petalite concentrate, primarily used in the glass and ceramic industries. In 2022, the mine was acquired by Hong Kong-based Sinomine Rare Metals Resources for $180 million. Sinomine’s investment plan includes the addition of a new spodumene concentrate plant and a 12 MW solar power plant, signaling a significant expansion and modernization effort.
Another notable project is the Zulu lithium and tantalum pegmatite deposit near Bulawayo, advanced by Aim-listed Premier African Minerals. In partnership with Suzhou TA&A Ultra Clean Technology, Premier is investing $35 million in a pilot plant designed to produce 50,000 tonnes per year of lithium concentrate.
In Buhera, the Sabi Star lithium/tantalum mine, acquired by Chengxin Lithium Group in 2021, is undergoing significant development. Chengxin has committed a total of $130 million to the mine, including a $45 million investment in a flotation plant that commenced operations in 2023.
The Kamativi pegmatite deposit, historically a tin mine, is also experiencing a revival. The joint venture between China’s Sichuan PF Technology Group and Zimbabwean company Defold Mine is focusing on building a new plant for producing 50,000 tonnes per year of spodumene concentrate.
Beyond Zimbabwe, other Southern African countries are also active in the lithium market. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Monono deposit is currently the subject of a dispute between ASX-listed AVZ Minerals and Chinese mining giant Zijin Mining. In Namibia, the historic Uis tin mine is undergoing revival by Aim-listed Andrada Mining, which is now producing petalite concentrate and plans further expansion.
South Africa, though on a smaller scale, hosts two operational spodumene mines. Marula Mining has restarted the Blesberg mica mine in the Northern Cape, focusing on upgrading historic surface stockpiles to export-quality spodumene ore. Similarly, a small-scale operation near Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal is run by a private entity.
This regional lithium mining boom reflects the strategic importance of Southern Africa in the global market for battery metals. Zimbabwe’s role as a leader is supported by substantial foreign investment and the development of sophisticated mining operations. The country’s success in this sector is not only boosting its economy but also positioning it as a key player in the international arena, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and renewable energy resources.
The expansion and development of lithium mining in Southern Africa signify a critical shift towards embracing mineral resources vital for the future of technology and energy. As the world moves towards greater sustainability, the region’s contribution to the lithium market is poised to grow, underscoring its potential to influence global supply chains significantly.
Source: Mining Weekly
