THE Industrial Development Corporation is scouting for a partner to either mine or process lithium ore into other value-added products such as batteries.
The project feeds into the worldwide increase in the usage of rechargeable lithium batteries in portable electronic devices and electrical tools and the forecast increase in international demand for lithium which presents opportunities for investors.
Responding to written questions, IDC projects manager Mrs Rindirai Shoko said the project is still work in progress.
"Please note that this project is still work in progress. It requires assurance of the lithium ore itself which would be further processed into other value-added products such as batteries.
"It was premised on the assumption that we will either partner an existing lithium mine or secure our own lithium claims for this," Mrs Shoko said.
"The project still remains as one of the potential value addition opportunities yet to be fully explored in the mineral beneficiation sector," said Mrs Shoko.
The Government plans to establish a lithium processing plant in Bulawayo for value-addition to produce lithium carbonate and in the long-term producing lithium batteries as focus on beneficiation increases.
The US Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries 2013 says although lithium markets vary by location, global end-use markets are estimated in ceramics and glass, batteries, lubricating greases, air treatment, metallurgical, polymers, pharmaceuticals and primary aluminium production.
Lithium use in batteries expanded significantly in recent years because rechargeable lithium batteries were being used increasingly in portable electronic devices and electrical tools.
"One area with potential for value addition is the manufacture of lithium batteries. Lithium cells can produce voltages from 1,5V to about 3,7V, twice the voltage of an ordinary zinc-carbon battery or alkaline cell, hence their huge demand on the international market," the IDC said.
Zimbabwe is considered among the largest lithium producers in the world based on the abundance of lithium bearing minerals such as the petalites, amblygonites and lepidolites in Zimbabwe which are responsible for the country’s prominence in the world lithium market.
Areas of verified deposits of lithium in Zimbabwe apart from Bikita include Goromonzi, Mudzi, Buhera, Chegutu, Hwange, Harare, Insiza, Rushinga, Mutoko, Mutare, Hwange.
In the 2014 National Budget, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa highlighted the importance of beneficiation of mineral resources in order to diversify industry through forward and backward linkages, derive more value and, avoid exporting jobs.
He said, however, little progress has been made in the identified areas, as Government has continued to allow truck and rail loads of crushed rock ore out of borders for value addition and job creation overseas.
In an endeavour to promote beneficiation of mineral commodities Minister Chinamasa proposed measures which include introduction of some tax disincentives on the export of raw minerals.
- Herald
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