DT Correspondent in China
THE Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) is courting Chinese investors to revolutionise the country’s mining industry through the transfer of advanced skills and modern geological exploration techniques to the the country’s economic growth.
Speaking at the ongoing fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, China, yesterday, ZMF President Henrietta Rushwaya said Zimbabwe has vast untapped mineral potential hence a prime opportunity for Chinese investors to contribute expertise and technology to unlock the resources.
“In the past two decades, the country has witnessed limited investment in modern geological exploration. This has led to an overreliance on historically known deposits while vast greenfield opportunities remain untapped.
“Zimbabwe’s geological formations, including the Great Dyke and the ancient
cratons, are highly prospective and comparable to some of the world’s richest mineral belts.
“Exploration provides a high-impact, high-return opportunity for Chinese firms with expertise in geophysics, remote sensing, and modern survey
techniques.
“We therefore invite Chinese geological survey institutions and junior mining investors to participate in exploration partnerships that can lead to world-class discoveries,” she said.
Rushwaya said Zimbabwe has abundance of lithium which is currently a demand on the global market.
“Zimbabwe’s lithium potential is already reshaping Africa’s critical minerals
landscape. Zimbabwe accounts for approximately 30 percent of all lithium production in Africa. Leading this charge are Chinese-owned ventures: Arcadia Lithium Mine (owned by Huayou Cobalt), Bikita Minerals (Sinomine), the Kamativi Lithium and Tantalite Project (run by Sichuan-backed Bravura), and Sabi Star (operated by MaxMind Investment).
“These operations have positioned Zimbabwe as the most dynamic lithium hub outside Asia.
“Arcadia alone is expected to produce over
60,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate annually, contributing to global electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing supply chains,” she said.
Meanwhile the president said Chinese investors can assist Zimbabwe to end the current power outages through public-private partnerships especially in the renewable energy.
“One of Zimbabwe’s greatest challenges — and opportunities — is power. The mining sector, particularly processing and smelting, is significantly affected by erratic electricity supply.
“Miners often resort to expensive diesel alternatives, which undermines beneficiation and increases costs. Chinese energy companies are welcome to explore public-private partnerships in solar, hydro, and coal-topower projects.
“Zimbabwe’s coal reserves exceed 12 billion tonnes, yet only a fraction is harnessed for energy production. Responsible investment in this space can fuel industrial growth and stabilise supply,” she said.
