Investment in Lithium industry pleasing – President Mnangagwa
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa in his STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA) at the opening of the fifth session of the ninth Parliament of Zimbabwe today said investment in the lithium mining sector was encouraging.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the new parliament building in Mt Hampden Mnangagwa said there is notable growth in the gold, coal, chrome, Platinum Group Metal (PGM) and related minerals.
“In mining, output growth is evident in gold, coal, chrome, PGMs and related minerals. The commissioning of the Cam and Motor Mine Biox Plant, Radnor Mine and expansion of Blanket Mine, among others, coupled with contributions from artisanal miners, have resulted in increased gold production.
“Investments in the lithium sector are pleasing and encompass extraction through to value addition,” President Mnangagwa said.
Mnangagwa announced that the government was dealing with illicit financial flows brought about by illegal mining activities including side marketing of minerals. He said the government was strategizing to ensure that miners mine formally in an environment-friendly manner.
“Government is decisively dealing with illegal mining and smuggling of precious minerals. All players in the sector are once again urged to operate legally and in an environmentally sustainable manner,” he said.
Dr Mnangagwa also said that economic growth is outpacing the power supply in the country but pledged that the government was working on increased power generation.
“The economy is growing faster than power supply. The Hwange Unit 7 is expected to be commissioned by year-end. A further 300 MW from Unit 8 is expected to come on-stream by the second quarter of 2023.
“Efforts are ongoing to expand the country’s energy mix, with a focus on renewable energy,” Mnangagwa said.