Local Lithium Value Addition and Beneficiation a Game-Changer: Minister Winston Chitando

The Hon. Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Winston Chitando, has toured Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe (ATZ), a subsidiary of Huayou Cobalt and Sister Company to Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ)’s lithium Sulphate plant in Goromonzi District, to review the company progress towards ensuring full local lithium beneficiation and value addiction.

The plant, which is still under construction and is 75% complete, is expected to be a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s economy. The tour highlighted the plant's crucial role in stimulating local economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and significantly contributing to the country's economic development.

This investment is in line with the government’s vision to increase local value addition in the mining sector and achieve an upper-middle income economy by 2030. The plant will be the first of its kind in Africa, producing lithium sulphate which is a component in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and other modern technologies.

The plant is a major investment in Zimbabwe's manufacturing sector, leveraging Goromonzi’s rich lithium resources to produce high-quality lithium sulphate. The Minister praised Huayou Cobalt for heeding the government’s call of beneficiating lithium from lithium concentrate to lithium sulphate.

He expressed satisfaction at the rate at which the plant has developed. The Minister also highlighted that cabinet passed a Responsible Mining Initiative 2, which addresses issues of environmental degradation and community development and stated that he was satisfied with the company’s environmental stewardship.

“I am truly satisfied with what I’m seeing here today, the progress is tremendous and we are happy that the lithium sulphate processing plant is almost complete”, said the Minister. "The lithium sulphate plant is a game-changer for our economy," said Henry Zhu, Zimbabwe Administration Center of Huayou General Manager.

"Not only has this plant created jobs and stimulated local economic activity, it also showcases Zimbabwe's potential as a major player in the global lithium market." During the tour, guests witnessed firsthand the plant's state of the art technologies and learned about its impact on the local community.

The plant’s construction has created numerous employment opportunities for residents of Goromonzi District, contributing to the district’s economic development and significantly improving living standards.