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In a landmark development for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, Huayou Cobalt’s subsidiary, Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe (ATZ), is in the final stages of constructing a groundbreaking US$400 million lithium sulphate processing plant at its Arcadia Mine, strategically positioning the operation ahead of the government’s January 2027 ban on lithium concentrate exports, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The state-of-the-art facility, hailed as the first of its kind in Africa and only the third globally, represents the most significant step yet in Zimbabwe’s push to move beyond mere extraction and capture greater value from its mineral resources.
The project has been represented as a direct physical manifestation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the government’s broader policy of beneficiation, which seeks to transform the nation from a raw material exporter into a manufacturer of semi-processed and finished goods.
On Thursday, officials from Huayou’s local subsidiaries, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) and Arcadia Lithium Zimbabwe (ATZ), led a media tour through the sprawling plant. The tour showcased the advanced technology that will transform spodumene concentrate into 50,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium sulphate annually—a critical precursor chemical for the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems globally.
Mr. Henry Zhu, ATZ’s Managing Director, framed the massive investment as a direct and proactive response to national policy and a boon for the local economy.
“The lithium sulphate plant is a game-changer for our economy,” Zhu stated. “Not only has this plant created jobs and stimulated local economic activity, but it also showcases Zimbabwe’s potential as a major player in the global lithium market.”
According to Yu Long, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s ESG Director, the economic implications are already being felt. Beyond the capital investment, the plant’s construction has created numerous employment opportunities for residents of Goromonzi District, with further hiring expected upon operational launch.
He said the development is complemented by a significant company-funded road construction project, which has improved connectivity and is set to enhance the district’s attractiveness to more investors.
“The road network construction in Goromonzi District is a testament to our commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting economic development,” said Yu Long, PLZ’s ESG Director. “We believe that this investment will have a lasting impact on the local community and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.”
The launch solidifies the Arcadia Mine’s status as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s lithium future. This is further bolstered by PLZ’s extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which have seen over US$3 million invested in the district since 2022. The tour showcased the progress of the women’s empowerment project “Weaving the Future”, launched in December 2024. Group leader Felistas Rutanhira attested to its impact: “We are thrilled by what PLZ has done for us, our lives have improved dramatically.”
Other initiatives include constructing classroom blocks at Vhuta Primary School, providing furniture and textbooks to multiple schools, an “energy equity” project for youth entrepreneurs, and a skills development program training young people in welding, electrical work, and forklift driving to combat drug abuse, with successful graduates absorbed into the workforce. A new police base has also been built in Ward 13 to curb crime.
The project is amplified by the global reach of its parent company, Huayou Cobalt. Its recent accession to China’s prestigious Green and Low-carbon Advanced Technology Innovation Platform directly links Zimbabwe’s lithium output to the highest international environmental and technological standards, ensuring the product is destined for the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers.
