By Shadreck Gurenje , recently in Bikita
President Mnangagwa has commended the mining sector for taking heed of the Second Republic’s call of taking beneficiation and value addition on board as the nation accelerate towards the realisation of vision 2030.
Delivering his keynote address at the commissioning of the Bikita Minerals Spodumene and Petalite Processing Plant, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commends Sinomine Resource Group for taking heed of the Government’s call for beneficiation and value addition of lithium ores by investing over US$ 300 million into the various stages of the project.
President Mnangagwa said that demonstration of commitment by Bikita Minerals to continue expanding investments in Zimbabwe is clear testimony that the investment is in sync with government’s focus on mineral value addition and beneficiation towards propelling the multi-faceted growth of our economy.
“It is my pleasure to be with you once again, here at Bikita Minerals (Pvt) Ltd, for this official commissioning ceremony of the expanded Petalite Plant and new Spodumene Processing Plant. I recall that, it was only in June last year, when I officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Petalite and Spodumene Processing Plants.
“It is commendable that the construction and upgrade of the two plants were completed timely. This is a demonstration of commitment by Bikita Minerals to continue expanding investments in Zimbabwe. Further, the investment is in sync with my Administration’s focus on mineral value addition and beneficiation towards propelling the multi-faceted growth of our economy. 3 As Zimbabwe, we equally remain alive to our broader strategic responsibility to supply vital resources to a vast number of global industries, for shared prosperity.
“I commend Sinomine Resource Group for taking heed of my Government’s call for beneficiation and value addition of lithium ores by investing over US$ 300 million into the various stages of the project. This has contributed to the realisation of our target of attaining a US$12 billion mining 5 economy by year end. The milestone represents part of my Government’s efforts to consolidate our position as a regional and global hub for lithium mining and related industries.
“The expansion of the old Petalite Plant, with the associated increase of petalite through-put to 480 000 tonnes per annum, up from the current 30 000 tonnes should have broader ripple effects. Riding on these raw materials, I call for additional investments on related value chains such as the manufacturing of glass, enamel and ceramics, more so given the rapid expansion of our construction and related manufacturing industrial base, “said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa also said Responsible Mining Initiative launched under the Second Republic has prioritised environmental matters and scaled up the protection of local natural ecosystems and resources for both present and future generations.
“To date, the Responsible Mining Initiative launched by my Administration has prioritised environmental matters and scaled up the protection of our natural ecosystems and resources for both present and future generations. The exercise has also helped to highlight challenges and proffer solutions for the overall improvement of our mining sector. Through the whole of Government and Society approach we are minimising environmental harm and biodiversity 4 loss while maximising benefits for both investors and the generality of the people of Zimbabwe. As you are aware, lithium is one of the critical raw minerals for our journey to net zero.
“It is most opportune that this event is happening on the backdrop of my attendance to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) being held in the United Arab Emirates. The issues on the increased use of renewable energy, climate finance and energy transition, among other aspects, will be discussed. Zimbabwe remains committed to putting people, nature, lives and livelihoods at the heart of our climate action agenda, “said President Mnangagwa.
The newly constructed Spodumene Plant has a capacity to produce 300 000 tonnes of chemical grade Spodumene 6 concentrate per annum which will be ready for export in line with Government’s requirements.
President Mnangagwa also reiterated that Zimbabwe’s economy continues to shine under the mining sector which has resulted in a series of landmark projects being commissioned under the Second Republic.
“The economy of Zimbabwe continues on an upward growth trajectory, across all sectors. This has resulted in the need for the expansion and modernisation of our infrastructure to facilitate trade, commerce and the movement of both goods and our people.
“I, therefore, applaud Bikita Minerals for setting aside US$10 million towards the construction of a new bridge that will complement the existing Birchenough Bridge as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility projects. Similarly, Bikita Minerals is constructing a US$22 million power line, expected to be commissioned during the first quarter of 2024, while an additional US$2 million 8 has been set aside for the rural electrification programme covering Bikita, Gutu and Zaka Districts,”said President Mnangagwa.
The Head of State and Government also underscored that Government will continue to implement sound policies and entrench a conducive business environment, in support of all sizes of investment for win-win outcomes, as we march towards Vision 2030.