Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe has pledged to collaborate with other lithium producers to establish two internationally accredited national laboratories in Zimbabwe, a move that will drive technological innovation and build robust local research capabilities to support the country’s long-term growth, Public Relations Manager Patience Chizodza has said.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking during a technical visit by Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr. Polite Kambamura, Chizodza said the company is fully committed to the laboratory development initiative, which is among the government’s key conditions for lithium producers following the February suspension of raw mineral and concentrate exports.
“We pledge to collaborate with other lithium producers to establish two internationally accredited national laboratories in Zimbabwe. These labs will drive technological innovation, knowledge sharing, and build robust local research capabilities to support the long-term growth of the nation,” Chizodza said.
She confirmed that a working committee has already been set up to advance the project, with work currently in progress.
The laboratory initiative aligns with the government’s push for enhanced transparency and accountability across the mining value chain. Under the Minerals Value Chain Framework approved recently, Zimbabwe is ending its reliance on foreign laboratories for mineral certification, with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development decentralising analytical hubs to national universities and establishing a Mine-to-Market tracking system.
The government has commenced the construction and capacitation of mineral testing laboratories to enhance the country’s ability to accurately assess lithium ore, a strategic move expected to improve value retention and ensure Zimbabwe derives maximum benefits from its vast mineral resources.
The National Metallurgical Laboratory in Harare is being upgraded into a comprehensive national reference laboratory capable of testing minerals across the entire mining value chain, from exploration samples to beneficiation and final product analysis.
Chizodza said PLZ maintains full adherence to tax regulations and revenue remittance requirements, with zero outstanding compliance issues. She noted that the company has a fully equipped assay laboratory at the Arcadia Mine for real-time quality control and an Environmental Health and Safety Department that has been operational since 2023.
Minister Kambamura, during the same visit, said the government will examine the sector “with a new eye” to ensure that all producers adhere to their obligations, including the development of laboratories, skills and knowledge transfer, training for local personnel, and the placement of Zimbabweans in senior management roles.
