Staff Reporter
Works at Mapinga Industrial Hub, Mashonaland West which is expected to create at least 25000 jobs for locals has commenced.
An official from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development told this publication that the industrial hub would see Zimbabwe manufacturing lithium batteries for both the local and international market.
"A new US$13 billion industrial energy hub is loading in Mapinga, Mashonaland West province. The energy hub is poised to produce lithium batteries which will be sold in Zimbabwe and abroad," said the source.
The official further revealed that the setting up of the energy hub would be in phases, adding that it would lead to the creation of at least 25000 jobs for the locals.
"This is a transformative initiative, as the establishment of the energy hub will be in phases One and Two. Phase One will see the setting up of a 300 megawatt power station and phase 2 will see the setting up of value addition facilities whereby lithium batteries and solar panels will be manufactured.
"The energy hub will create approximately 25000 jobs for the locals and the surrounding communities. The 300 megawatts power station will also go a long way in burden sharing of the electricity supply, which will also serve the Mapinga community," said the source.
A development specialist, Simon Bumhira mentioned that the establishment of the lithium hub would aid Government's requirement that mining companies should pay half of their mining royalties through minerals, and this is a step in the right direction in achieving a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023.
"In line with Vision 2030, the establishment of the lithium battery industry will go a long way in aiding to the realisation of a US$12 billion mining economy by 2030. This will also ensure that mining companies will pay their mining royalties through minerals which will also make the realisation of Vision 2030 a reality," said Bumhira.
Meanwhile, the realisation of Vision 2030 is becoming a reality as the country's mining sector is contributing more foreign currency.
