Chiwenga urges mining firms to embrace beneficiation
BY KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has encouraged mining firms to embrace the latest ban on exporting unprocessed lithium ore and encouragdd the companies to focus on beneficiation and improve lives in communities they are operating in.
He saluted Mutapa Energy Minerals for its ever presence in the communities it is serving.
His comments follow the government’s recent decision to halt the export of raw lithium ore, which has prompted a race among dealers to extract and move the mineral ahead of the 2027 deadline.
Dr. Chiwenga toured the Sandawana Lithium Mine and the Zheli Lithium Plant in Zvishavane this Wednesday, accompanied by Minister of State Owen Ncube.
He said the recent ban aims to facilitate domestic enrichment of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources.
“We must ensure that our nation fully benefits from its mineral wealth,” he said.
The Vice President characterised the unregulated extraction of lithium in Zimbabwe as a threat to national sovereignty and economic future.
“This behavior amounts to nothing less than plundering our national heritage.”
He urged the integration of mining and processing, lauding Sandawana Mines under Mutapa Energy Minerals for its potential for large-scale lithium production.
He emphasized that these minerals should continue driving community development, contributing to rural industrialization and electrification as part of the government’s modernization agenda.
“We envision a future where local communities thrive from these resources,” he noted.
Dr. Chiwenga challenged the developmental plans presented by the CEO of Mutapa Energy, Rukwesa, as aligned with the government’s National Development Strategy 2.
He revealed that initial explorations at Sandawana indicate approximately 100 million tonnes of lithium, linking success in beneficiation to increased investment opportunities.
“This area has more to offer beyond lithium; remember, we’ve got emeralds and gold being mined here as well,” he added.
