Trymore Tagwirei

Sandawana Mine is set to become one of the world’s top 10 lithium producers once its new processing and exploration plant is commissioned in the second quarter of 2027, according to Kuvimba Mining House Acting Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Barnard.

Bernard said the company is finalising a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with international investors for the construction of the Mberengwa-based plant, a development expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s position in the global battery minerals market.

“We are hoping to start commissioning the major processing plant in the second quarter of 2027, about 18 months from now. It will require a lot of hard work, but we are confident that with our partners, we can achieve this,” he said.

He added that slightly improved lithium prices over the past six months had strengthened the project’s financial viability, paving the way for accelerated work on feasibility studies and preliminary designs while awaiting the start of construction.

Once fully operational, the mine is expected to produce more than half a million tonnes of lithium annually.

Established decades ago, as an emerald mine, Sandawana has undergone a strategic transformation following the discovery of significant lithium deposits, attracting renewed investment and positioning it as a major player in Zimbabwe’s fast-growing lithium sector.