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Fidelity Set to Gain International Accreditation by Year-End

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Fidelity Set to Gain International Accreditation by Year-End

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) says it will be accredited by an international body before the end of this year, a development that could allow the company to trade its gold on global markets and realise more from its bullion sales, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This was revealed by its General Manager, Peter Magaramombe, as he responded to questions at the Zimbabwe Mining Forum (hosted by Caledonia), held on the sidelines of the just-concluded Invest in Africa Mining Indaba.

FGR was previously accredited by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), a status that enabled Zimbabwe to sell gold directly on major international markets.

However, the refinery lost its accreditation in 2008 after the country’s gold production fell sharply to around 3 tonnes, well below the LBMA’s minimum requirement of 10 tonnes per year, leading to Zimbabwe’s delisting from the Association.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Forum, FGR General Manager Peter Magaramombe confirmed that the refinery is on track to achieve international accreditation by the end of the year, having already met nearly all the requirements.

“Let me say that we are at an advanced stage to get accredited before the end of this year with some accreditation body, which I’m not going to name at the moment, but in terms of the requirements for the accreditation, we are almost 95% in terms of meeting those requirements. So we are saying by December 2026, we should be accredited.”

Last year, Zimbabwe produced a record 46.7 tonnes of gold in 2025, far above the LBMA minimum requirement of 10 tonnes, demonstrating both the scale of the country’s output and the opportunity to earn more by selling directly on international markets.

With gold prices at record highs and the authorities keen to maximise foreign currency inflows, the prospect of accreditation comes at a critical moment.

Once accredited, FGR’s refined gold will be able to enter international markets more easily, attracting larger pools of investment and potentially securing better prices for the country’s bullion.

Recognition of the refinery’s gold for quality, purity, and ethical sourcing is also expected to boost investor confidence and improve liquidity, strengthening foreign currency inflows and supporting broader economic growth.

By aligning with international standards, FGR is not only positioning itself as a credible player in the global gold market but also creating opportunities for Zimbabwe’s gold producers to access reliable and lucrative international markets.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 17 February 2026

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 17 February 2026

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 17 February 2026, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

1 oz = 31.1035 g

Here you go — converted neatly into USD per troy ounce (oz) using 1 oz = 31.1035 g.

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and above149.834,659.94
SG 85% and above but below 90%148.244,610.48
SG 80% and above but below 85%146.664,561.33
SG 75% and above but below 80%145.074,511.87
Sample 5g and above but below 10g142.704,438.15
Fire Assay CASH150.624,684.51

 

Note: The Fire Assay cash price applies to gold above 100g, with no sample deduction.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

Five Arrested for Theft of Copper Cables at Bikita Minerals

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Five Arrested for Theft of Copper Cables at Bikita Minerals

Police foil attempt to steal mining infrastructure in major breakthrough…

In a significant blow to criminal syndicates targeting mining infrastructure, police in Bikita arrested five suspects on February 13, 2026, for stealing copper cables at Bikita Minerals, in a case that highlights the ongoing challenges facing Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Kwashiwa Munongwara (47), Tafadzwa Chepiri (25), Tawanda Kanjanga (45), Beven Mangezi (38), and Davison Tivangana (45) were apprehended while loading stolen copper cables onto a 16-tonne Volvo truck following a tip-off from members of the public.

The theft of copper cables at mining operations represents a serious threat to production targets and undermines economic growth in Zimbabwe’s crucial mining sector. Copper cables are essential infrastructure for mining operations, powering equipment and facilitating communication systems. When such materials are stolen, operations are disrupted, leading to costly downtime and repair expenses.

Bikita Minerals, a key player in Zimbabwe’s mining industry, has been targeted by criminal elements before, with copper cable theft causing operational delays and financial losses.

The mining sector is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to foreign currency earnings and employment. Each incident of theft not only affects the individual mining company but also impacts national economic targets.

Industry experts warn that copper cable theft remains a persistent problem across Zimbabwe’s mining sector, with syndicates often targeting remote mining operations where security may be more challenging to maintain.

The successful arrest of the five suspects demonstrates the effectiveness of community-police cooperation in combating mining-related crime. Law enforcement agencies have been working to strengthen their response to such incidents, recognising the critical importance of protecting national assets.

The five suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges related to the theft. The recovery of the 16-tonne Volvo truck represents a significant seizure, suggesting the involvement of an organised operation rather than opportunistic theft.

Mining industry stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of theft on production targets and the overall investment climate. Such incidents increase operational costs through enhanced security measures and insurance premiums, while also deterring potential investors who may view these risks as impediments to reliable operations.

Investigations are ongoing, and police have indicated that more arrests cannot be ruled out as they pursue leads on potential wider criminal networks involved in mining-related theft.

“Zimbabwe Will Not Import Electricity Within Three Years,” Says Mutapa CIO, as ZESA Accelerates Power Expansion

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“Zimbabwe Will Not Import Electricity Within Three Years,” Says Mutapa CIO, as ZESA Accelerates Power Expansion

CAPE TOWN – Zimbabwe is on track to achieve energy self-sufficiency within the next three years, with a combination of aggressive generation refurbishment, regional import flexibility, and captive power initiatives set to eliminate the need for electricity imports, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Mutapa Mining Indaba Symposium in Cape Town, Mutapa Investment Fund Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Simba Chinyemba delivered a confident assessment of the country’s power trajectory, revealing that a coordinated strategy across generation, distribution, and alternative energy is rapidly closing the supply gap.

“A lot is being done,” Chinyemba said. “We are refurbishing Hwange Units One to Six, then we add another 600 megawatts. We’re also improving distribution in the country in order for us to take advantage of many of the power projects coming up in the region around us so that when we have a deficit, we can import that power.”

He then issued a decisive projection. “I don’t see Zimbabwe importing any energy, any electricity for that matter, within the next three years. I think we will actually manage to stabilise that.”

The confidence is underpinned by the fact that ZESA Holdings, the national power utility, sits directly under the Mutapa Investment Fund portfolio. With a mandate to unlock value across state-owned enterprises, Mutapa is positioning energy security as a foundational pillar for industrial growth under Vision 2030.

Chinyemba’s forecast aligns with ZESA’s publicly stated targets. In January 2026, ZESA Holdings Acting Chief Executive Officer Engineer Cletus Nyachowe outlined a definitive roadmap before delegates at the Energy Transformation Indaba in Gweru.

“ZESA intends to end power imports by 2026, clear all connection backlogs by 2027, initiate net power exports by 2028, provide a public lighting system by 2029, and complete universal access to electricity and data by 2030,” Nyachowe stated.

This timeline confirms that the utility itself is working to a schedule that renders power imports obsolete within the calendar year, a full three years ahead of Chinyemba’s outer projection.

Generation Expansion: Thermal, Solar and Beyond

Multiple generation projects are advancing in parallel to deliver this target.

On the thermal front, ZESA has unveiled plans to develop four new thermal power units, tentatively named Hwange 9, 10, 11, and 12. While the names reference the existing Hwange facility, Eng. Nyachowe clarified that the later units may be sited elsewhere to optimise coal reserves and grid efficiency. This expansion builds on the recent commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8, which added 600MW to the national grid.

Simultaneously, Zimbabwe is pursuing an ambitious renewable energy agenda. The government will commence construction of a 600MW floating solar plant on Lake Kariba in the second quarter of 2026, with the first phase targeting 150MW. The US$650 million project, backed by a US$4.4 million Afreximbank feasibility study, is designed to reduce dependence on hydropower vulnerable to climatic variability.

Chinyemba acknowledged the critical role of development finance in accelerating these projects. “There are many funding initiatives that are currently planned,” he said, acknowledging the presence of financing partners in the room.

Demand Surge and the Captive Power Imperative

The urgency of this expansion is driven by projections that Zimbabwe’s mining sector will record a sharp 40% increase in electricity demand between 2026 and 2030. With new lithium projects, the US$1.5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel plant at Manhize, and expanded smelting and refining capacity, peak demand is expected to exceed 3,000MW.

To address this, the government has implemented a policy requiring large-scale miners, particularly ferrochrome producers, to establish their own captive power plants by 2026. This shared-responsibility model relieves pressure on the national grid while enabling industrial expansion.

“We recognise that the mining sector is growing, particularly with the coming of the lithium mines. The demand for power has surged phenomenally,” Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo said when announcing the policy. “As the government, we cannot adequately provide power alone; we need to do it with the private sector.”

Chinyemba reinforced this approach. “Even high-energy users are being encouraged to look at alternative energy sources,” he said. “So, in my view, there is going to be more than enough energy to support the growth projections that we currently have.”

A Coherent, Fund-Led Strategy

The significance of Chinyemba’s assurance lies in his institutional position. As Chief Investment Officer of the Mutapa Investment Fund, he oversees ZESA as a portfolio entity. His confidence reflects not optimism in isolation, but visibility over a coordinated, fully funded execution plan spanning generation refurbishment, transmission upgrades, regional integration, and private sector participation.

With ZESA targeting import cessation by 2026, major generation projects entering construction, and industrial consumers mandated to contribute their own supply, the trajectory toward energy self-sufficiency is now clearly mapped.

For investors at the Mining Indaba assessing Zimbabwe’s capacity to power its next wave of mine development, Chinyemba’s message was unequivocal: the deficit is closing, funding is progressing, and within three years, the national grid will stand on its own.

BNC’s Administration Status Driven by Business Realities, Not Other Factors – MIF

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BNC’s Administration Status Driven by Business Realities, Not Other Factors – MIF

CAPE TOWN — Mutapa Energy Minerals, an entity under the umbrella of the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), has clarified that Bindura Nickel Company (BNC) remains under administration purely for business reasons, as the current oversupplied market does not support the economically viable operation of the mine, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

BNC, Zimbabwe’s only nickel mine, was placed under administration in May 2024 following a reconstruction order issued by the Government of Zimbabwe. The move came in response to severe financial distress, operational challenges, and a collapse in global nickel prices.

At the time of the government order, nickel prices had fallen sharply from record highs above $100,000 per metric tonne in 2022, driven by expectations of reduced supplies from major producer Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, to around $17,000 per tonne in an oversupplied market. By mid-February 2026, prices were trading at $17,500–$18,000 per metric tonne on the London Metal Exchange, levels that remain far below what would make mining at BNC economically viable.

It is against this backdrop that Mutapa Energy Minerals Chief Executive Innocent Rukweza explained that current market conditions do not support reopening the mine, clarifying why BNC continues to operate under administration.

“BNC is in that position because the prices are not supportive of the economics of how the mine should operate. It is one of the deepest mines we have, exceeding one kilometre, and the grades have been suppressed. Indonesia, which has open-pit resources at a very high grade, has been flooding the market, and its economics permit it to sustain a price of less than US$17,000, which is the same cost for us to mine or extract a tonne out of BNC.

“And prices are way below that. So it was a decision that was business-based, not for any other reason.”

Following the administration order, Bindura Nickel Corporation made significant progress by convening its first statutory meetings with creditors and shareholders in April 2025.

These meetings formed part of the formal reconstruction process, during which the company’s financial position was presented, the administrator’s actions to date were discussed, and the next steps for restructuring were outlined.

The process involved a detailed review of the company’s operations and finances, the development of a sustainable plan to address debts, and engagement with stakeholders on the way forward. Together, these steps demonstrated a structured approach to stabilising operations and preserving value for all stakeholders.

While the process demonstrated a structured approach to stabilising operations and preserving value for all stakeholders, all these efforts may prove in vain, as nickel prices are projected to remain relatively subdued over the next five years.

Supply surpluses, particularly from Indonesia, are likely to keep prices range-bound, while gradual increases in demand from stainless steel and electric vehicle battery production may support only a slow upward trend.

Market forecasts project London Metal Exchange (LME) prices at around US$15,860 per tonne in 2026, rising to approximately US$16,770 per tonne in 2027, with further modest gains possible toward 2030–2031 if demand strengthens or supply is constrained.

Significant price spikes are unlikely without major shifts in global supply or demand, meaning BNC could face a prolonged period out of operation.

Indonesia and China currently control the global nickel market. Indonesia acts as the dominant supplier (over 60% of global output), while Chinese firms control roughly 75% of Indonesian smelting capacity.

MIF Leverages Mining to Drive Zimbabwe’s Transformation, Seeks Strategic Investors

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MIF Leverages Mining to Drive Zimbabwe’s Transformation, Seeks Strategic Investors

CAPE TOWN — The Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund, is positioning its mining cluster to become the central driver of long-term economic transformation, courting patient capital to support value addition, infrastructure development, and industrial growth, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

MIF Chief Investment Officer Simbarashe Chinyemba highlighted this vision at the Fund’s side event during the ongoing Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, outlining how mining will anchor Zimbabwe’s broader economic transformation.

This vision follows the Fund’s recent strategic restructuring of its former mining cluster, Kuvimba Mining House, into five separate entities: Mutapa Gold Resources, Mutapa Base Metals, Mutapa Energy Minerals, Mutapa Platinum Group, and Mutapa Frontier. The move is intended to create more focused operations across key mineral sectors, allowing for greater efficiency and targeted investment.

The Fund manages a US$15 billion diversified portfolio spanning mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, finance, and real estate. Within this broad portfolio, mining is being strategically positioned as the engine for economic growth.

Chinyemba explained that Zimbabwe’s mineral resources are central not only to the Fund’s investment strategy but also to national economic transformation.

“As a country, we possess significant lithium, gold and other strategic mineral resources, and these mining assets form the liquidity engine of our national transformation agenda. Transformation requires capital, and in our view, that capital must be generated from the vast mineral resources the country holds. Mining done correctly should fund structural transformation, moving us beyond exporting raw resources towards building value chains, strengthening infrastructure and driving long-term economic growth.”

While raw mineral exports generate immediate revenue, long-term transformation depends on moving up the value chain, including converting lithium into battery chemicals and building domestic industrial capacity.

By leveraging mineral wealth strategically, MIF aims to generate the capital required to support industrialisation and infrastructure expansion.

Positioned as a central investment vehicle, the sovereign fund is mandated to safeguard and grow national wealth through commercial and strategic assets while promoting long-term economic transformation and intergenerational value. MIF is actively restructuring and commercialising state-linked assets, improving performance, and converting resource endowments into productive, bankable enterprises capable of supporting national growth without relying on fiscal borrowing.

Among its flagship mining initiatives, the US$270 million Sandawana lithium concentrator project, structured under a build-operate-transfer model, is expected to move Zimbabwe from raw ore exports to higher-value processing. Expansion at Shamva, including a US$150 million underground development, aims to sustain long-term gold production and foreign currency inflows.

Addressing investors directly, Chinyemba emphasised the Fund’s strategy and readiness to partner on structured projects:

“We have the resources, we have the strategy, and now through Mutapa, we’re able to implement that plan and convert those resources into results. This is how nations transfer, and this is how they transform asset by asset, institution by institution, value chain by value chain,” Chinyemba said.

He further extended an invitation to potential partners, underlining MIF’s approach to practical, results-driven investment:

“If you’re looking to invest in Zimbabwe, we, as a very credible investment alliance, invite you to come and discuss how you can participate in our vision to build a Zimbabwe that doesn’t just create a promise for change, but leads us to prosperity,” Chinyemba added.

The Fund stressed that mining should fund transformation rather than distort it, positioning the sector as a sustainable source of capital for infrastructure and industrial development.

Beyond mining, MIF is mobilising investment into enabling infrastructure critical to economic transformation, including rehabilitating power generation and transmission systems, strengthening rail infrastructure, and mobilising capital for strategic national assets. Addressing challenges in the energy sector, including debt constraints at the national utility, the Fund is prioritising rehabilitation and efficiency improvements to restore capacity, reduce imports, and preserve foreign currency.

Governance, transparency, and commercial discipline are central to building investor confidence. Predictable institutions and accountable asset management, Chinyemba noted, are key to converting national assets into bankable investment opportunities. The Fund’s commitment to transparency is part of broader efforts to strengthen credibility and attract long-term investment.

Chinyemba concluded by inviting investors to participate in Zimbabwe’s mining-led transformation, positioning MIF as a strategic platform for long-term investment across mining, infrastructure, and other key economic sectors.

When MIF assumed control of its portfolio, many assets were underperforming and burdened by structural inefficiencies. Recognising the need for stronger governance and strategic oversight, the Fund has focused on actively managing and rehabilitating these enterprises, transforming underperforming mining operations into productive ventures that can fund Zimbabwe’s broader transformation agenda.

Zimbabwe’s Mines Ministry Provides Clarity on Long-Awaited Digital Cadastre Launch

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Zimbabwe’s Mines Ministry Provides Clarity on Long-Awaited Digital Cadastre Launch

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has provided clarity on the long-delayed rollout of the electronic mining title management platform, the E-Cadastre system, confirming that it is now firmly on track for full implementation, with the official launch set for this year, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This was confirmed by the Mines Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Pfungwa Kunaka, at the just-concluded Investing in African Mining Indaba, in response to a query from United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela M. Tremont, during a meeting held on the sidelines of the event.

Ambassador Tremont highlighted that in her engagements with U.S. and other international mining companies in Cape Town, many prospective investors continue to point to the absence of a modern, reliable, and transparent mining cadastre system in Zimbabwe.

Against this backdrop, she sought clarity on the Government’s roadmap for introducing a system that would strengthen security of tenure, boost investor confidence, and align Zimbabwe with regional counterparts that already operate fully functional digital cadastre platforms.

In response, Mines Ministry Permanent Secretary Pfungwa Kunaka confirmed that the E-Cadastre system is finally set for full rollout this year, ending years of uncertainty over its launch.

“I would like to confirm that we are moving ahead with the launch of the E-Cadastre system in 2026. We have already developed the system and received adequate financial support from the Minister of Finance. What remains are the final technical processes, such as screening and cleaning the data, as well as other preparations. We are also ensuring that we have the full range of required equipment, which has already been procured. Therefore, implementation and the official launch are set for 2026. We are on course,” Kunaka said.

The E-Cadastre system, designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, and streamline the administration of mining claims, has been under development for over a decade.

Authorities first signalled plans for the digital cadastre as part of broader mining-sector reforms, but implementation was repeatedly delayed due to data-verification challenges, equipment needs, and funding constraints.

To move the project forward, the Government in July 2025 required all mining title holders to submit survey-grade geographic coordinates.

This step ensured that claims were accurately mapped and digitally recorded, strengthening tenure security and reducing boundary disputes.

The exercise, which is still ongoing, forms a critical part of the preparations for the E-Cadastre system and brings Zimbabwe closer to aligning its cadastre with regional and international standards.

Earlier updates had suggested the system was nearing rollout, but no firm launch date had been confirmed until now.

The latest confirmation from Kunaka indicates that the project has moved beyond the planning stage. With funding secured and critical infrastructure in place, only the final technical processes remain before full implementation.

The digital system is expected to significantly improve efficiency in mining title administration, enhance investor confidence, and strengthen governance in Zimbabwe’s mining sector as the country continues its efforts to modernise and digitise resource management.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 16 February 2026

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 16 February 2026

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 16 February 2026, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

1 oz = 31.1035 g

Here you go — converted neatly into USD per troy ounce (oz) using 1 oz = 31.1035 g.

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and above152.164,732.71
SG 85% and above but below 90%150.554,682.63
SG 80% and above but below 85%148.944,632.56
SG 75% and above but below 80%147.334,582.48
Sample 5g and above but below 10g144.924,507.52
Fire Assay CASH152.974,757.90

 

Note: The Fire Assay cash price applies to gold above 100g, with no sample deduction.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

Mutapa Energy Minerals Targets to Triple Output and Expand Exploration at Sandawana Lithium Mine

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Mutapa Energy Minerals Targets to Triple Output and Expand Exploration at Sandawana Lithium Mine

Mutapa Energy Minerals is targeting to more than triple the output at its lithium operations, with plans also set for further exploration at its Sandawana Mines, buoyed by the recovery of lithium prices and a positive outlook in the near future, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This development follows a recent recovery in the lithium market after a prolonged price slump around 2023, which had delayed the full development of the Sandawana project.

The slowdown was largely due to market and project-structuring challenges, with weak global lithium prices at the time affecting the project’s financial viability.

As a result, the Sandawana Lithium Project has been operating at limited, interim production levels, with output still below full project scale while the main processing plant remains under development.

Recent figures indicate that the operation produced approximately 88,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate monthly in the latest reporting period, with material being processed through third-party facilities.

With market conditions now more favourable, Mutapa is moving quickly to advance the project and capitalise on current lithium prices. Speaking at the ongoing Mining Indaba, Mutapa Energy Minerals Chief Executive Innocent Rukweza said the company expects to triple production, driven by the positive outlook for lithium, as he laid out exploration plans across some of its lithium blocks.

“And we’re very hopeful because, based on what analysts are saying, we believe current prices will remain sustainable in the near future. With a looming shortage in lithium supply, prices are expected to stay strong in the long term. We hope that moving forward, we can make everything sustainable.”

“To date, the significance of Sandawana lies in its performance despite the 2023 price crisis. Just last year, we mined over 1.8 million tonnes of ore and, through our toll processing arrangement, produced 162,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate. We hope to more than triple that output in the future,” Rukweza said.

Meanwhile, Sandawana Mines is divided into three blocks. In Block A, exploration has been completed, with resource statements already published.

Adding to the company’s production ambitions, Rukweza also highlighted opportunities for exploration across Sandawana’s lithium blocks, aimed at identifying new resources to support future growth.

“However, we still have Block B and Block C, which need to be explored. So exploration is one of the critical things that we are also aiming for. And this is also in line with the government thrust, just to know the resources that we have before we get going to develop mining structures that we might have. So there are opportunities in mineral exploration in both Block B and Block C,” Rukweza added.

To support its expansion and exploration plans, Mutapa Energy Minerals is preparing to start construction of a US$250 million lithium concentrate processing plant at Sandawana Lithium Mine by June this year, with completion expected in 2027.

The plant is designed to process up to 600,000 tonnes of lithium ore per year, producing around 500,000 to 600,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate once fully operational.

Alongside the new facility, the company is implementing upgrades to critical infrastructure around Sandawana, including roads, power supply, and water systems.

These investments are intended to improve operational efficiency and access to the mine, while also benefiting surrounding communities through broader social infrastructure such as clinics and related facilities.

Zimbabwe to Commission Africa’s First Lithium Sulphate Plant Next Month, Two More to Follow

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CAPE TOWN – Zimbabwe will commission Africa’s first lithium sulphate processing plant within the next month, with two additional facilities set to come online by the end of next year, positioning the country as the continent’s undisputed leader in critical minerals beneficiation, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Mutapa Mining Indaba Symposium in Cape Town, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon. Dr. Polite Kambamura delivered a historic announcement that drew sustained applause from the international investment community.

“Next month or so, we’ll be commissioning Africa’s first lithium sulphate plant. That’s Zimbabwe,” the Minister declared.

He then outlined an unprecedented beneficiation pipeline. “Next year, we’ll be commissioning another lithium plant. That will be the second. The next year, we’ll be commissioning another third lithium sulphate plant, which means Zimbabwe will be having three lithium sulphate plants commissioned in a row, the only ones in Africa,” he said.

The First Plant: Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe

The first of these three facilities, Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe, is owned by Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ), a subsidiary of Chinese lithium giant Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt. Construction of the US$400 million plant in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province, is now complete and awaiting commissioning in the first quarter of 2026.

The facility is designed to produce 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of lithium sulphate per annum and will more than double export earnings compared to raw concentrate shipments. The plant comprises three production lines, each with a feed of 500,000 tonnes per annum of concentrate, with the first line scheduled for January 2026 and subsequent lines in April 2026.

Total investment by Huayou Cobalt in Zimbabwe’s lithium value chain now stands at US$1.1 billion, encompassing the Arcadia mining operation, the concentrator commissioned in 2023, and this new sulphate processing facility.

The plant is expected to generate US$320 million in annual revenue and create over 1,000 jobs.

The Second Plant: Sinomine’s Bikita

The second lithium sulphate plant confirmed by the Minister aligns with publicly announced plans by Sinomine, which acquired Bikita Minerals in 2022. The company has committed US$500 million to construct a lithium sulphate processing facility at its operations in Masvingo Province.

This facility will position Sinomine alongside Huayou Cobalt as the vanguard of Zimbabwe’s beneficiation drive, with commissioning anticipated within the Minister’s “next year” timeline.

The Third Plant: Awaiting Confirmation

While the Minister’s reference to a third lithium sulphate plant commissioning at the “end of next year” demonstrates the accelerating momentum of Zimbabwe’s beneficiation drive, specific details regarding this facility remain to be formally announced. The pipeline of advanced lithium projects in the country, including Mutapa Energy Minerals’ Sandawana development (currently targeting concentrate production, with downstream processing to follow) and the Kamativi Mining Company operation, suggests multiple potential candidates capable of stepping up to sulphate production.

What is beyond dispute is the Minister’s central thesis: Zimbabwe will possess three operational lithium sulphate facilities, a feat unmatched anywhere else in Africa.

Beyond Sulphate: The Road to Carbonate and Batteries

Minister Kambamura made it clear that lithium sulphate is not the final destination. “We are not going to be ending there. We are going to go for further validation and beneficiation for lithium,” he said.

He explicitly confirmed the next frontier: “We are looking forward to further beneficiating our lithium to lithium carbonate, which is budgeted for.”

This trajectory aligns with Zimbabwe’s Mines to Energy Park initiative, targeting completion by 2027 at Mapinga, where the country aims to produce complete lithium batteries utilising domestic lithium for cathodes and graphite for anodes.

“If we manage to bridge the energy deficit, who knows, we’ll still be there,” the Minister added.

Zimbabwe is already Africa’s largest lithium producer, having led continental production in 2024. Exports of spodumene concentrate reached 586,197 tonnes in the first half of 2025, a 29.7% increase year-on-year.

The transition from concentrate to sulphate represents a revenue multiplication of five to seven times per tonne of raw material processed, with corresponding increases in employment, fiscal contributions, and foreign currency retention.

Yet the Minister’s Cape Town address was not merely a technical briefing. It was a declaration of national industrial arrival, delivered with the evident satisfaction of a man who has watched a multi-billion-dollar vision translate into cranes on the skyline, pipelines of product, and now, a commissioning schedule that leaves the rest of the continent looking up.

And with three sulphate plants in the pipeline, Africa’s first lithium battery manufacturer may not be far behind.

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