EnviroPress Reporter

The Sandawana Mine, historically known for its emeralds, is on the cusp of a new era that could position Zimbabwe as a powerhouse in the global lithium market.

Projections indicate that the mine holds a staggering resource of approximately 100 million tonnes of lithium ore, potentially making it one of the largest lithium operations in the country and a significant player on the world stage.

This ambitious projection comes from Kuvimba Mining House, the state-owned entity operating the mine.
The company has been conducting extensive exploration in the Mberengwa district of Midlands province, with early results pointing to a world-class deposit.

While a formal Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) compliant report for the initial phase of exploration is anticipated soon, the preliminary findings have already generated considerable excitement within the industry.

The mine director Trevor Banard said the huge lithium reserves will contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and empowering the local communities.

“This resource is critical when we look at the energy transition era that is now upon us. We want to make sure that we will harness the opportunity for the betterment of the lives of the locals and contributing the economic growth of the country.

“We are very excited about the future,” said Banard.

The development of Sandawana is a key component of Zimbabwe’s strategy to leverage its vast mineral wealth to drive economic growth.

The global demand for lithium, a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, has surged in recent years. The sheer scale of the Sandawana resource could see Zimbabwe capturing a significant share of this lucrative market.

Kuvimba Mining House has outlined a phased approach to bring the mine into full production. Plans are underway for the construction of a multi-million-dollar processing plant at the site to concentrate the lithium ore before export. This move towards value addition within the country is in line with the government’s policy to maximize returns from its mineral resources.

The potential economic and social impacts of the project are substantial. The development of the mine is expected to create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding communities and beyond. The government also stands to benefit from increased foreign currency earnings and tax revenues.

The transition of Sandawana from an emerald mine to a major lithium operation signifies a strategic shift in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, aligning it with the growing global demand for clean energy minerals. As further exploration and development work continues, all eyes will be on Sandawana to see if it can fulfill its promise and transform Zimbabwe into a global lithium giant.