Feasibility studies for a lithium sulfate plant are currently underway at Arcadia Lithium Mine, owned by Huayou Cobalt’s Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ), the country’s largest lithium spodumene producer.
PLZ General Manager Henry Zhu stated that the Arcadia Lithium Mine in Goromonzi is being evaluated for this purpose.
Despite a downturn in investment due to declining prices, PLZ, boasting Africa’s largest hard rock lithium processing plant, aims to adhere to local processing regulations by establishing the lithium sulfate facility. The government’s directive to lithium producers to add value to their output aligns with PLZ’s plans.
Zhu highlighted that the feasibility studies aim not only to boost Arcadia’s lithium production but also to contribute to the nation’s economy. He expressed enthusiasm about the potential of the proposed plant, emphasizing its positive impact on both production capabilities and economic growth.
“I am excited to announce that we are currently doing feasibility studies for a state-of-the-art lithium sulfate plant. This plant will not only enhance our production capabilities but also contribute to the overall well-being of our country and economy,” Zhu said.
Celebrating two years of operation, Zhu acknowledged the challenges faced by the company but emphasized its resilience and adaptability in overcoming them.
In 2022, Zimbabwe prohibited the export of lithium ore, prompting miners to focus on setting up processing facilities. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube set a deadline until March for miners to submit plans for further value addition to produce battery-grade lithium.
A compliance report from the Competition and Tariff Commission noted that Prospect had initiated the scoping study phase, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2024, meeting the prescribed timeline for establishing a sulfate plant, a condition tied to the Huayou takeover.
