eBusiness Weekly
Business Writer
Zimbabwe will host two major mining conferences next month to discuss the developments in the sector responsible for the generation of most of the country’s foreign currency, according to two fliers seen by this publication.
On November 1, the Zimbabwe School of Mining will host Lithium and Battery Mineral conference under the theme: “Powering Zimbabwe’s Future: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Development in Lithium Minerals Battery Industry.
It comes at a time when the lithium sector is booming, propelled by investments in processing facilities and exploration.
Zimbabwe is estimated to be holding Africa’s largest lithium reserve and this year alone, processing facilities worth nearly US$700 million were commissioned. Several other projects are already in the pipeline.
Last year, Zimbabwe banned the export of raw lithium in a bid to curb artisanal mining and promote investment in beneficiation and value-addition facilities. Recently, local lithium companies launched an association to promote the development of the industry.
The Association of Chinese New Energy Miners (ACNEM) is critical to enhance communication between the lithium miners and local stakeholders including the Government while safeguarding the rights and interests of its members.
Entities involved in the initiative include Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, Sabi Star Mine, Gwanda Lithium, Sinomine Bikita Minerals Spodumene Project, Kamativi Lithium Project and Global Platinum Resources.
“Chinese companies are at the forefront of new energy technology, and they have a wealth of experience in developing and operating new energy projects. This Association will bring together Chinese and Zimbabwean companies to work together to develop Zimbabwe’s new energy sector. The Association of Chinese New Energy Miners in Zimbabwe is a welcome addition to the Zimbabwean business community,” Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu said during the launch.
Two weeks later, mine executives will gather in the resort town of Victoria Falls for the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe annual general meeting and conference.
The AGM and conference will be held between November 16 and 19.
