Govt to set up lithium plant

Published: 20 March 2014

GOVERNMENT is planning to set up a lithium processing plant in Bulawayo, which would be crucial in the production of batteries in the country, an official said.

Mr Valentine Vera, a metallurgy director in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, said lithium is one of the minerals that has capacity to drive the economy considering the level of demand for the mineral on the world market.

"Lithium has potential to bring economic development to the country.

"It is used in the manufacture of key components in the ICT industry, manufacturing of batteries and is also beneficiated into lithium carbon which has higher value on the market.

"New investment is needed in value-addition to produce lithium carbonate and in the long-term producing lithium batteries," said Mr Vera.

"Therefore the Government is planning to set up a processing plant that will add value to the mineral.

"So if we are to go into production of what we call lithium battery we could produce lithium carbonate which costs $5 000 per tonne as opposed to the $180 per tonne and this can be produced in Zimbabwe," he said.

Currently, lithium is mined in Bikita and Bindura with the local consumers being Zimglass while the rest is exported into the region and international markets.

Last year, Zimbabwe grossed $57 million from lithium exports after selling 40,9 million tonnes.

Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Fred Moyo said the Government has commissioned a programme to identify minerals that are vital to the country’s development with lithium being one of the strategic minerals.

"We have just commissioned in the ministry to identify minerals that are strategic to the development of the country and the report is expected to be complete soon," he said.

Mr Moyo said once the Government completes the process, minerals such as lithium will be exploited in line with their position to economic development.

Once the plant is set up, Zimbabwe would be able to export value-added lithium to China for the production of lithium-ion batteries.

Mr Vera also said tantalite, a low volume but high value product usually found in alluvial deposits, would be exploited to ensure it contributes the growth of economy.

He said 90 percent of world tantalite is found in Zimbabwe and DRC but there is no cooperation between the nations on how best to optimise exploitation of the mineral.

Mr Vera said tantalite is currently selling for $100 per kg and in 2001 the price increased to $1 000 per kg following the advent of laptops and cell phones.
- The Herald

Tags: Lithium,