Zimbabwe’s state-owned Kuvimba Mining House has signed a $310 million agreement with leading British and Chinese investors to build a lithium concentrator at the Sandawana mine. This site, formerly known for emerald mining by Rio Tinto until 1993, will now be transformed to support the initial stages of lithium processing.
The binding build, operate, and transfer (BOT) agreement will establish the concentrator, which will play a critical role in processing lithium ore by crushing and leaching it to produce concentrates. These concentrates are essential for further refining into lithium carbonate or hydroxide, key components for battery production.
Currently, Zimbabwe exports unrefined lithium concentrates primarily to China for additional processing. The new facility, expected to be operational within 18 months, is projected to achieve an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons of lithium concentrate and will be operational for a six-year term.
In addition to this agreement, Kuvimba is exploring the sale of up to a 40% stake in the Shamva Gold Mine and seeking partners for the Freda Rebecca gold mine. The company aims to raise around $150 million to develop an open-cast mine at Shamva and build a processing plant, while also seeking investments to extend the lifespan of the Freda Rebecca mine, currently projected at five years.
