Gvt Relaxes Lithium Beneficiation Plans Submissions as Producers Miss the Second Deadline
The government of Zimbabwe has relaxed its deadline for lithium producers to submit beneficiation plans as only three companies have so far submitted their plans.
By Ryan Chigoche
The initial deadline for the submission of the beneficiation plan was March 31 this year. Still, the government had to extend it as the miners requested more time from the Ministry of Mines to consult their head offices, which are outside the country. They also stated that they needed more time to come up with annual budgets that incorporate beneficiation.
Before the beneficiation directive, lithium miners were producing lithium concentrate, but the government seeks to tap into substantial mineral revenue that can be earned from the production of battery-grade lithium, tapping into growing demand for the clean energy mineral.
Currently, the value chain is lithium ores, and the government has banned the export of lithium ores as the country now has sufficient concentration capacity where lithium ores can be concentrated to export lithium concentrate.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event in the capital today, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando said they have now called all lithium producers for the amendment of the lithium sulfate facilities in the country, which will see the ban on exporting lithium concentrate.
“The lithium value chain starts with ores. Then, after that, you go into concentrate. After that, you go into lithium sulfate. Or lithium hydroxide, whichever way. And there is the next level where you are now ready to go into battery making or the manufacturing of certain consumables.”
“Now, the government has called on all the lithium companies to say, we want an amendment for the establishment of lithium sulfate facilities. Now, instead of sending the concentrate outside, we will now be upgrading them to lithium sulfate as a minimum investment. That will take time. While that is happening, the concentrates are being shipped,” Chitando said.