Staff Reporter
The non-operational Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) is set to be resuscitated for the excavation of lithium ore after Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) went into a joint venture with Pude Technology Company of China, the Harare Post has learnt
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Speaking to this publication, a Government official hailed the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and China saying that both countries stand to benefit from engaging each other. He said the KMC lithium joint venture came at an ideal time when lithium demand had been projected to keep growing beyond expectations.
Additionally, he said that the transition of KMC to lithium ore mining was setto reap more benefits for the country given that the country’s vast lithium deposits were aimed at promoting value addition and end losses associated with exportation of ore.
An economic expert, Tariro Chikumbu said that Government efforts in the resuscitation of mines such as the Kamativi mines was a step in the right direction as it would lead to job creation for the locals as well as in the revival of the economy.
“Government efforts to revive the mining industry will lead to job creation for the locals. The Second Republic is prioritising the revival of the mining industry because they are aware that the sector is vital in the resuscitation of the economy. A case in point is Kamativi which was known for tin production but recent surveys have indicated that Kamativi has more lithium than tin.
“The community had largely become a ghost community which at one point was a hive of activity before the mine was closed in 1994 due to a sharp decrease in the prices of tin. Lithium demand is showing no signs of slowing down, given the high prices witnessed in 2022. Hence the transition should redevelop Kamativi to its former glory days,” said Chikumbu
Meanwhile, experts have indicated that the opening of new mines, re-opening of closed mines and the expansion of existing mines resonates well with the new dispensation’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind as well as the strategic roadmap to the achievement of US$12 billion mining industry by 2023.
