Four Lithium Processing Plants Set for Commissioning in Zimbabwe This Year
Zimbabwe’s strategy to maximise returns from its vast lithium resources is beginning to show results, with four lithium sulphate processing plants expected to be operational before the end of the year.
The facilities, currently under construction or nearing completion in different parts of the country, are part of a broader push by authorities to transform Zimbabwe from a raw mineral exporter into a producer of higher-value lithium products used in battery technologies.
The move comes amid growing global demand for lithium, driven largely by the expansion of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
Also Read: Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Concentrate Exports as Government Tightens Mineral Controls
Policy Shift Targets Mineral Beneficiation
Government officials say the rapid progress in lithium processing projects has been triggered by policy measures designed to encourage local beneficiation.
Zimbabwe introduced restrictions on the export of raw lithium concentrates in an effort to compel mining companies to process the mineral within the country. Authorities believe this approach will enable Zimbabwe to capture more economic value from the resource while stimulating industrial development.
Mines and Mining Development Permanent Secretary Pfungwa Kunaka said the policy forms part of a deliberate strategy to ensure the country participates more meaningfully in the global lithium value chain.
Speaking during a stakeholder workshop on energy minerals held in Kadoma, Kunaka noted that countries producing lithium are increasingly focusing on processing the mineral into higher-value products rather than exporting it in its raw form.
New Plants Planned in Key Lithium Areas
Several projects are expected to spearhead the next phase of beneficiation in Zimbabwe’s lithium sector.
Among them are processing facilities associated with Bikita Minerals, along with other developments in Goromonzi, Arcadia and Kamativi.
The plants will produce lithium sulphate and similar compounds that are used as intermediate materials in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.
Officials say the projects represent an important step toward building a domestic battery minerals industry.
Parliament Examining Energy Minerals Sector
The lithium developments were discussed during a workshop organised by the Parliament of Zimbabwe Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development together with ActionAid Zimbabwe.
The meeting formed part of an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into the country’s energy minerals sector that began in 2025.
Committee chairperson Remigio Mtangira said lawmakers plan to conduct field visits to mining regions to gather views from communities and stakeholders affected by mining operations.
He noted that minerals such as lithium and coal play a crucial role in the national economy through electricity production and foreign-currency generation.
Stakeholders Emphasise Community Benefits
Participants at the workshop highlighted the importance of ensuring that mining developments benefit local communities and protect the environment.
ActionAid Zimbabwe country director Selina Pasirayi said Zimbabwe’s large deposits of energy minerals have attracted global investors, making it essential that resource governance prioritises both sustainability and fairness.
She said communities located near mining areas should see tangible economic benefits while ecosystems are safeguarded.
Lawmakers Support Export Ban
Members of Parliament attending the workshop also expressed support for the ban on exporting raw lithium.
Dzivaresekwa legislator Edwin Mushoriwa said the restriction was necessary to ensure Zimbabwe gains long-term economic value from its mineral wealth.
Authorities say the long-term vision is to eventually move beyond lithium salts to producing battery-grade chemicals and establishing downstream industries such as lithium battery manufacturing in Zimbabwe.
Flipcash is Your Trusted PayPal & Crypto Exchange Partner in Zimbabwe — WhatsApp +263 77 163 9263
The post Zimbabwe Set to Commission Four Lithium Processing Plants by Year End appeared first on iHarare News.
