Zimbabwe is sitting on vast untapped lithium potential within the country’s Great Dyke region, a senior mining official has said.
Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe president Thomas Gono told delegates to the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 Forum held in Cape Town last week that, with just one project operational, Zimbabwe has barely scratched the surface in terms of lithium exploration.
“Just one project – the Bikita Lithium Facility – produces 300,000 tonnes of lithium annually. Imagine the output if we explored the entire country,” Gono said, hinting at the vast opportunities awaiting discovery within Zimbabwe’s borders.
The Great Dyke contains not only lithium but also copper, platinum and various critical minerals.
Gono outlined Zimbabwe’s strategic vision, focusing on comprehensive exploration for rare earths and emphasising investments in value addition as a prime opportunity for the nation.
He noted that by moving away from historical practices of exporting raw materials, Zimbabwe aimed to capitalise on its mineral wealth to drive revenue generation, job creation through skills development and local beneficiation.
While Zimbabwe positions itself as a key player in the lithium market, other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries like Zambia and Tanzania are also making strides in their mining sectors.
Zambia Chamber of Mines chief executive Sokwani William Chilembo highlighted recent policy reforms aimed at promoting a favourable investment climate, with a focus on growth and resolving energy shortages to leverage Zambia’s diverse mineral resources such as lithium, graphite and rare earth elements.
Tanzania Chamber of Mines executive secretary Benjamin Mchwampaka noted his country’s support for small-scale miners.
“With 7 million small-scale miners, their role is crucial. Our updated Mining Act includes clauses specifically aimed at empowering this group of miners,” Mchwampaka said.
JN/APA