MUTAPA Energy Resources is moving ahead with the relocation of 104 families at Sandawana Mine in Mberengwa to pave the way for a planned US$300 million lithium concentrator, with construction of new homes expected to be completed by the end of September 2026, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The relocation forms part of the mine’s broader development programme, which includes new infrastructure and community facilities as Mutapa Energy Resources expands operations at Sandawana.
Mutapa Energy Resources CEO Innocent Rukweza said the company has already constructed about 10 demonstration houses to allow government officials, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to assess and finalise the specifications before construction of the remaining homes.
Each family will receive a four-roomed house with a kitchen and ablution facilities, at an estimated cost of about US$28,000 per unit.
Rukweza said the company is targeting September 20 through to the end of September to complete the 104 houses.
“Once they are happy with those houses and units, we can then finalise the other houses. We are targeting 20 September to about the end of September to finalise all the 104 houses,” he said.
Mutapa Energy Resources operates under the Mutapa Investment Fund.
Resident Engineer for the relocation programme, Munyaradzi Gutsa, said the housing designs had been benchmarked and subsequently adapted to suit local conditions.
The relocation programme is being fully undertaken by Mutapa Energy Resources and includes the construction of the new homes, fencing of the relocation area and water reticulation to individual households.
The company will also relocate key public facilities currently located within the mining lease, including the primary school, clinic and police station.
The project will further involve the exhumation and relocation of 52 graves situated within the planned plant area.
Gutsa said construction costs were being monitored against changing input costs, including fluctuations in fuel prices that affect the cost of materials such as cement and bricks.
Traditional Leaders Welcome Development
Local traditional leaders have welcomed the relocation and associated infrastructure development.
Chief Bvute, born Andrew Bvute, said the road development would address longstanding challenges faced by communities in the area, particularly dust and poor accessibility.
He said the upgrading of the road would significantly improve movement in the area while reducing the impact of dust on surrounding communities and vegetation.
Chief Mahlebadza, born Pelile Damba, said traditional leaders and communities had been consulted on the relocation and wider development programme.
“We came so that we give you feedback,” he said, while acknowledging the engagement between the company and local communities.
52km Road Upgrade
The development is also being supported by the upgrading of a 52-kilometre road from York to Sandawana.
Mutapa Energy Resources has engaged three contractors — Fossil, Masimba and Shumba Mhazi Group (SM Projects) — to undertake different sections of the road, including the Mutsime Bridge, which has historically presented challenges during the rainy season.
Rukweza said all three contractors had received mobilisation payments.
Local MP Hon Tafanana Zhou said the improved road would make it easier for communities across the district to access Sandawana.
“The road is going to ease the passage of the people across the district. Right now, the people were having some challenges like travelling from Mberengwa, where our growth point is, to come to Sandawana,” he said.
Community Empowerment
Beyond the relocation programme, Mutapa Energy Resources is implementing community empowerment initiatives, including the purchase of 32 cattle for community projects.
The company is also developing community gardens equipped with drip irrigation to support agricultural production throughout the year, reducing reliance on seasonal rainfall.
Rukweza said the initiatives were intended to ensure surrounding communities benefit from the development of Sandawana.
US$300m Concentrator
The relocation is linked to Mutapa Energy Resources’ plans to develop a US$300 million lithium concentrator at Sandawana.
Rukweza said the company remains focused on commissioning the concentrator in November 2027.
In the meantime, Sandawana is toll processing ore through facilities in Gwanda and Zvishavane. Rukweza said the company had generated more than US$80 million in revenue from ore deliveries to the Gwanda lithium plant so far this year.
He said the company was targeting annual revenue of between US$100 million and US$140 million, depending on the stability of lithium prices.
The wider Sandawana development also includes plans for a 132kV power line and a water pipeline to support future mining and processing operations.
The relocation of the 104 families is therefore a key component of the mine’s expansion as Mutapa Energy Resources moves towards development of the planned concentrator and associated infrastructure.
