In a landmark development for Matabeleland North, Bravura Group, a pan-African mining giant, has made history by becoming the first company in the region to construct houses for its workers as part of the revival of Kamativi Tin Mine. In addition to creating jobs, the company has prioritized skills transfer by training unskilled local youth, demonstrating a strong commitment to both community upliftment and sustainable development in the region, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
With the construction of a state-of-the-art lithium processing plant at Kamativi Mine, Bravura is set to produce 300,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually from lithium tailings. This significant investment marks a key milestone for Zimbabwe’s mining sector under the Second Republic, adding to the economic potential of Matabeleland North and contributing to national development goals.
Bravura’s approach to the Kamativi project is holistic, focusing not only on mining but also on improving the living conditions of workers and the local community. The company recently handed over six newly constructed houses to the government as part of relocation plans necessitated by the expansion of the mine. The six houses—comprising four eight-roomed units and two nine-roomed units—replaced six homes demolished to pave the way for the lithium processing plant.
The new housing initiative sets Bravura apart from other investors who have operated in Matabeleland North in recent years. Unlike previous investors, particularly those of Asian origin, Bravura is the first to prioritize building housing for its workforce, a move widely commended by local authorities and community leaders.
“We are very happy about the houses. They are the first of their kind, and we suggested that they be partitioned to accommodate two families each, as they are quite large. We want other companies to take a leaf from Bravura,” said Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, Hon. Richard Moyo, during the handover ceremony.
Bravura’s investment in Kamativi is expected to create 400 new jobs by the end of the year, providing a much-needed boost to a region that has been economically marginalized for years. Many of these jobs will go to local youth, who will receive on-the-job training as part of the company’s commitment to skills transfer. This approach will ensure that the benefits of the project extend beyond skilled professionals, empowering unskilled workers to develop valuable competencies in the mining industry.
“It’s quite significant that about 400 jobs will be created, and many of these positions will be for local youth who will be trained on-site. This project is giving opportunities to people who would otherwise be left out,” said Hon. Moyo.
Presidential Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Eng. Tafadzwa Muguti, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of training and development for the local workforce. “We encourage Bravura to continue on-the-job training for locals rather than relying solely on skilled workers. This will ensure that unskilled people, especially the youth, can benefit from this project,” he said.
Bravura’s Lithium Project Head, Dr. Tafadzwa Muridzi, highlighted the economic impact of the company’s investment, noting that the project will significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through increased lithium production. Dr. Muridzi also emphasized the importance of creating long-term value for the local community.
“This is a significant project for Zimbabwe because we will be contributing towards the total lithium processed in the country. In addition to adding value to the economy, we will be creating jobs and developing the community, which will have a lasting impact,” said Dr. Muridzi.
The company is also building a new campsite to house workers during the plant’s construction phase, with plans to eventually accommodate over 350 employees on-site. This initiative ensures that the workforce will be adequately housed, further demonstrating Bravura’s commitment to worker welfare and community development.
Bravura is one of two companies operating at the former Kamativi Tin Mine, alongside Kamativi Mining Company (KMC), a Chinese-owned firm that holds the rights to mine lithium in the area. While KMC focuses on direct lithium extraction, Bravura is tasked with processing the lithium tailings left behind by the former tin mine, a critical component of the country’s efforts to tap into its rich lithium reserves.
Eng. Muguti expressed his excitement over the involvement of an African company in the Kamativi project, emphasizing the importance of Bravura’s investment in uplifting the community. “For a Nigerian company to come into Kamativi and start uplifting this community is quite significant. We have mostly seen Asian and European investors, so it is refreshing to see an African brother leading this initiative,” he said.
The Kamativi project has garnered widespread attention for its potential to transform the region’s economy. As part of its broader strategy, Bravura has committed to ensuring sustainable development and maintaining a strong focus on corporate social responsibility.
In line with the government’s vision for a sustainable mining sector, Bravura has taken steps to ensure that its operations are environmentally responsible. The company has adopted eco-friendly practices that minimize the environmental impact of its lithium processing plant while actively working to rehabilitate the land around the former tin mine.
Minister Moyo commended Bravura for its commitment to sustainability, noting that the company’s investment aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leveraging Africa’s natural resources for long-term development.
“Bravura’s investment is in sync with President Mnangagwa’s assertion that Africans must move beyond narratives of natural resources being a blessing or a curse. We must leverage our resources to build our continent, leaving no place and no one behind,” said Minister Moyo.
As the Kamativi project moves forward, Bravura’s focus on sustainability, job creation, and skills transfer positions the company as a leader in responsible mining practices in Zimbabwe. The company’s holistic approach to community development, infrastructure investment, and worker welfare is setting a new standard for mining operations in the region.
With the lithium processing plant set to begin operations by the end of 2025, Bravura’s impact on Kamativi is expected to be transformative. The project will not only revive the former tin mine but also pave the way for long-term economic growth and community development in Matabeleland North.
“We are proud of the progress being made at Kamativi and look forward to continued collaboration with Bravura to improve the lives of our people,” said Minister Moyo.
