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Lithium price drop a negative for Zimbabwe

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Lithium price drop a negative for Zimbabwe

The reduction in lithium costs may be a welcome respite to EV manufacturers looking to cut costs in order to make EVs more affordable to consumers.

The rise of EVs has been hampered by high production costs, which translate to higher retail prices. As a result, EVs have been seen as a luxury item, out of reach for many consumers.

With the drop in lithium prices, manufacturers can now explore options for producing affordable EVs. In the past, the high cost of batteries has been blamed for the high price of EVs. This cost covers not only lithium but also other components such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese. However, the reduction in the cost of lithium is encouraging news for manufacturers when it comes to the battery component of EVs.

Cheaper lithium is not just good news for EV manufacturers but also for energy storage firms looking to expand their operations. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in various energy storage applications, including off-grid and or grid-connected projects, such as residential energy storage systems, large commercial installations, and utility-scale operations. The reduction in lithium prices means that energy storage firms can purchase the batteries needed for their specific applications at a lower cost, which in turn, can filter down to consumers, making energy storage more affordable.

This however is negative news for Zimbabwe which still has Lithium reserves that have not yet found large-scale takers despite overwhelming interest from Small-scale Miners. The country does have upcoming projects but these will take time to get off the ground and as time goes by prices will continue to plummet.

Government in December 2022 halted the acceptance and processing of applications for lithium and other minerals which it deemed strategic.

“Further, we have of late seen a flooding of applications for mining titles for minerals which have been deemed strategic in the upcoming Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill. It has thus become necessary that in the national interest, we temporarily stop acceptance and processing of applications for mining titles for the following minerals until further notice: diamonds, copper, lithium, nickel (and) rare earth minerals,” Mines and Mining Development Permanent Secretary Mr Pfungwa Kunaka said in a statement to all Provincial Mining directors.

It is not clear if this restriction will be lifted if the Mines Bill does not sail through.

The drop in lithium prices has been attributed to several factors, including increased production and supply from Australia, Chile, and Argentina. Analysts predict that the supply of lithium will continue to rise even as demand increases due to the growth of EVs and energy storage systems.

Interview: Blessing Hungwe, an inspirational leader and miner

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Interview: Blessing Hungwe, an inspirational leader and miner

Small-scale mining has been a vital economic activity for centuries. It has provided jobs and earned revenues for individuals, families, and communities. However, the risks and challenges associated with small-scale mining operations cannot be ignored leading to many despising this industry. Blessing Hungwe defies the odds in this tough industry and is a beacon of hope even for men aspiring to succeed in this industry.

Mining Zimbabwe had a one-on-one with the inspirational woman and here is how our interaction went.

Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you became interested in Mining?

I went to school in Kwekwe where I stayed with my uncles who are into gold mining and they inspired me. I tried going to Diaspora but my heart and passion was back home to establish in the mining sector. I rose from humble beginnings as an artisanal miner and reinvested my earnings to mechanise and expand my mining operations.

Why did you venture into Mining and why specifically gold mining?

The inborn passion that grew in me is from my uncles (the Kadenhe’s)  who took me to the gold pits. Because of them, I have an eye on opportunities in that sector. Zimbabwe is a blessed country, with a vast of minerals. I got so much interested in gold mining since it’s a valuable mineral with a readily available market. Gold mining is a major contributor to economic growth due to the creation of employment and business opportunities for local people and I grabbed the opportunity.

How is working with men and being the one in charge?

Indeed, it is perceived as intimidating to work in a male-dominated industry but personally, I hold the fort and stay determined. Mining is not usually selected as a career choice by women as they give value to jobs that are aligned with the traditional roles for women. Mining is considered a male-oriented sector while women are perceived as naturally weak, so you need to go the extra mile in performing your duties as a woman in the industry. Commitment is one key driver to success.

You are one of the most looked up to women miners in the Zimbabwe mining industry, what are you doing to use your influence to inspire women miners?

I am making every effort to bring more women into the mining industry. I am a miner and a top producer of gold and hence inspiring women to invest in the mining industry hence our mantra “Women can do it”. My passion for empowering women miners has resulted in me occupying various leadership positions in women in mining associations and platforms including the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), Guruve District Women in Mining Association, Mashonaland Central Province Women in Mining Association, Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA). I am the founder and leader of the Women in Mining Association under the wings of the Ministry of Women, Community, Small, and Medium Enterprises. I also served as SADC Secretary General for SADC Women in Mining Association which I am a board member. I played a key role in the formation of the Zimbabwe Women in Mines and Mining Development Trust to make sure the interests of women in the mining industry are prioritized. I am a member of the Artisanal Small Scale Mining Committee in the African Women in Mining Association (AWIMA). Currently, I am the Regional Knowledge Exchange Coordinator for Anglophone Africa for the Delve Exchange programme being sponsored by World Bank.

Women are still considered a vulnerable group within the mining sector and we are ring-fencing the interests of women by creating platforms like ZAWIMA which brings all women’s associations together to create a formidable force and talk with one voice and be heard.

Since joining the mining industry what have been your achievements?

  • Lobbying for the affordable charges for Environmental Impact Assessment for small-scale miners at Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba in 2018 (ZELA) which has brought up the Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
  • Zero Mercury Project (UNDP), Capacity Building for Women in Mining and managed to make Zero Mercury awareness with ZELA in Midlands
  • Lobbying and achieving Women in Mining Training with the School of Mines in 2018
  • Lobbied for the establishment of a gold milling centre in Guruve which was then established by ILO and AfDB through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and benefited over 200 women
  • Commission on the Status of Women CSW 61 in 2017 and pushed the agenda of establishing Women in Mining Associations in Africa and speaking with one voice
  • I am one of the members who contributed to the establishment of the SADC Women in Mining Association.

Can you walk me through your main roles and responsibilities at the mine?

I started small roles that involved pegging, getting the required paperwork, organizing human resources and machinery and running a day-to-day business even catering for my employees. After taking my mining venture as a real business I acquired more mining claims and created employment where I am employing supervisors, engineers, safety officers, and young technical skilled people from universities thereby creating employment.  I assumed the duties of a Managing Director of my mining business, implementing internal policies and regulations which include, health and safety, gender equality, etc. I am using my mine as a free training site for women in mining.

You are one of the few females who is leading in a male-dominated environment, what are some of the challenges you face and how do you overcome them?

Women miners are always short-changed, they take ages to realize profits due to a lack of access to financial resources, mining knowledge, technical skills and equipment. It took quite a lot for me to gain confidence due to the lack of career guidance. The success of women in this male-dominated sector is usually perceived to some sexual favours, nepotism or witchcraft which was never the case in my way of achieving. So many times as a woman you are silenced when you want to speak out and it’s never been the case with me I keep lobbying. I am pushing for a regulatory framework that is accommodative of small-scale miners who are largely women. It took me time to realise substantial amounts from mining until I got money to do exploration.

Who is your female role model and why?

My role model is Honourable Applonia Munzverengi (Dr) who is currently the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Mashonaland East and a Senator for the Hwedza-Marondera constituency. That woman inspired me and she has women at heart.  She achieved to break the stereotypes in a strongly male-dominated sector when she was the ZMF President. She lobbied for the downsizing of a number of EPOs and downsizing of ZIMASCO and ZIMALLOYS claims and got small-scale miners to benefit. She helped a lot of women to fit in the male-dominated industry and she has championed me and helped me see my own potential.

We are in the women’s month, what changes (if any) would you like to see in the work environment to promote women’s participation at all levels?

The interests of women can only be heard if they are involved throughout the value chain including holding leadership positions and the involvement should include increased access to financial resources, increased access to mining claims and capacity building for women.

Words of advice to women who wish to follow in your footsteps career-wise?

I think loving your job is the most important thing in your success. When you love your job, you are not afraid of failures, and through consistency and hard work, you can achieve anything you want. Mining is a vast and challenging field in which to achieve professional excellence but also fights sectoral and rigid cultural stereotypes along the way.  There is a need to change the mindset of people that will compel more women to come forward and participate in this sector. I would say to other girls: you need to be self-confident and strong. Your gender should not come in the way of your career. Just be focused and work hard.

Besides the Mining business, what does Blessing enjoy doing?

I am a mother; I enjoy spending time with my family. I love going to church. Most of all I am a God-fearing woman. I am also engaged in some farming activities.

Arcadia Lithium celebrates 1 year anniversary with 1st shipment of Concentrate

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Arcadia Lithium celebrates 1 year anniversary with 1st shipment of Concentrate

Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s Arcadia mine in Goromonzi today marked its first anniversary since acquisition by Chinese new energy materials giant, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt.

The day, celebrated by management and staff, also marked the first export shipment of lithium concentrates, namely spodumene and petalite.

Speaking at the occasion, chairman Mr George Fang said:

“We salute the workers and management for the diligent work that has resulted in the wonderful results we see today, and the brave new world that the company is embarking on as a producer of new energy materials for the global market at an opportune time the world is undergoing transformation in the energy sector and related technologies.

“Our investment in Zimbabwe thrusts the country on the global map of renewable energy and technology value chains.”

The company has made an impact in the Goromonzi District of Mashonaland East province and beyond.

Mr Fang said: “Over the past year, we have striven to contribute to the local economy and society, even before we started operations.

“At inception, we called on local communities to take up employment opportunities. This prioritisation resulted in hundreds of people being employed from local villages and wards in Goromonzi District of Mashonaland East Province, while more and more people with varying skills came from all over the country. “Our project employed about 1000 people during the construction stage, and is set to employ hundreds more when production goes full scale.”

As part of the company’s community-driven initiatives, PLZ has invested in education, health, water, security and road infrastructure in the district, following recommendations by a local committee. This year, the company will embark on further corporate social responsibility initiatives.

General Manager, Mr Henry Zhu praised the progress achieved in the past year.

“The year 2022 was a notable year for us for many reasons but of importance was that we started construction of the processing plant with the blessings of our mother company Huayou,” Mr Zhu said

“I am happy to say the construction stage is almost over and we now commissioning the plant after which we can fully produce the product.”

Mr Trevor Barnard, the deputy general manager chronicled how the lithium resource was first discovered in 2017 and the process that led to the acquisition by Huayou last year. He expressed satisfaction at the speed with which the project has been completed leading to the successful commencement.

The plant, which has a capacity of 450mt per annum, and one of the world’s biggest, will be officially commissioned soon.

ZIMPLATS upgrades the Mhondoro Rural Hospital

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ZIMPLATS upgrades the Mhondoro Rural Hospital

Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (ZIMPLATS) has given Mhondoro Rural Hospital a much-needed uplift and constructed an operating theatre among other critically needed amenities.

The platinum giant yesterday handed over the newly constructed facilities which were commissioned by President Mnangagwa at an event attended by thousands in Mubaira 100km from Harare.

In his speech and the handover ceremony, ZIMPLATS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Alex Mhembere said since commencing operations two decades ago the platinum giant has invested over 200 million U. S. Dollars or an average of $10 million per annum in Community Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs.

Mhondoro Rural Hospital
President Mnangagwa declares the New Mhondoro Rural hospital open

“We commenced our operation just two decades ago and in that period we have invested over 200 million U. S. Dollars, or an average of $10 million a year on community social responsibility programs and this resonates very well with our value of creating shared value for all our stakeholders in our program for community investment,” Mhembere said.

Alex Mhembere Mhondoro Rural Hospital
Zimplats CEO Alex Mhembere inspects the laundry room at Mhondoro Rural Hospital

He said ZIMPLATS is committed to the well-being and development of the communities the company operates from.

“We follow four pillars that guide us in that process, which are health and community well-being, education and skills development, enterprise development and income generation projects and infrastructure development through the minerals that we produce and the way we do business. Our purpose of creating a better future for stakeholders is fulfilled through the investments that we make in the area of Community and Social Responsibilities program.

 

He said the company spent $1 million to upgrade the 80-year-old hospital which serves 18 satellite districts.

“The project was funded to the tune of $1 million and resulted in a number of affluence of this hospital to make it an all-encompassing job institution. Established in the 1940s, the hospital currently serves about 18 satellite districts  under its umbrella.

He said the company’s involvement started in 2020 after the request by Mhondoro Ngezi Member of Parliament Freddy Kapuya to revamp the ageing infrastructure.

“Our involvement with the Mhondoro Rural District Hospital was started in 2020 through the efforts of Honourable for this area, Comrade Kapuya, who requested us to revamp the infrastructure”

“We responded to his request by making the following interventions constructing a laundry facility complete with washing machines and a dryer, construction of modern outpatient absolution facilities and a new staff kitchen of the canteen. Construction of and equipping of a new mortuary, sinking of a new borehole and reticulation to supply water to the hospital, refurbishment of the hospital’s main building and maternity home and the renovation of the administration office,” Mhembere said.

ZIMPLATS then returned to the hospital for phase two of the hospital refurbishment which saw the miner constructing a theatre and staff accommodation.

Mhondoro Rural Hospital new theatre by ZIMPLATS
Mhondoro Rural Hospital new theatre by ZIMPLATS

“We thought we had gone past the stage of dealing with Mhondoro Rural District Hospital but alas that was not the end. We came back again and requested that for phase two we focus on the construction of a theatre and construction of accommodation for a doctor and theatre system” Mhembere said

The construction and upgrades were done by Green Life, Greenville Toastone Trading and Dostaro which are all locally-based SMEs.

Speaking at the occasion President Mnangagwa commended the public-private partnerships in the country’s quest to realise health and the overall well-being of Zimbabweans.

“These projects attest to the importance of public-private partnerships in our quest to realise health and the overall well-being of our people as outlined in our Constitution and the National Development Strategy. Here at the Hospital, ZIMPLATS through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme has constructed and equipped a new theatre, staff accommodation and laundry facility. A borehole has also been drilled as well as the maternity ward refurbished and equipped, among various other works. These interventions are most appreciated and will go a long way towards enhancing access by our communities to quality health services and our country’s targets for achieving Universal Health Coverage,” President Mnangagwa said.

Man killed for stealing a jackhammer

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Man killed for stealing a jackhammer

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating a case of murder in Bulawayo, where a man named Denage Moyo was allegedly attacked and killed by a mob for allegedly stealing a jackhammer.

According to police reports, 36-year-old Moyo died on April 18th while receiving treatment at United Bulawayo Hospitals after being attacked the previous day at Tilas Mine.

The Police have made some progress in the investigation, having arrested five suspects in connection with the case, including Arnold Nkiwane, Patrick Sibanda, Welshman Ncube, Godfrey Zulu, and Alick Zulu. However, three other suspects, Prince Sibanda, Romeo Ndlovu, and Cobangani Ndlovu, are still on the run. It is unclear at this time what specific charges the arrested suspects will face.

Violence has taken many forms in the small-scale mining sector of Zimbabwe, including physical attacks, sexual violence, and harassment. Many of these assaults are perpetrated by other miners, mining syndicates, or criminal groups.

Cabinet approves a new Lithium Ore Policy

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Cabinet approves a new Lithium Ore Policy

Cabinet has approved a new Lithium Ore Policy, which introduces new regulations for the mining and processing of lithium ores.

The policy outlines several key principles, including the requirement for any individual or entity owning a lithium concession to either mine lithium ores for processing at their own approved processing plant, or for sale to those with approved processing plants locally.

“…any individual or entity owing a lithium concession can mine lithium ores for either: (i) processing at its own Approved Processing Plant (APP), or (ii) for sale to those with Approved Processing Plants locally”

This policy seemingly aims to encourage the establishment of local processing plants, which is intended to add value to lithium resources and boost the local economy.

Furthermore, any entity wishing to process lithium ores will be required to construct an approved processing plant locally.

“…any individual and or entity wishing to process lithium ores will be required to construct an Approved Processing Plant locally,” the new policy reads in part.

The movable permits for lithium ores will only be issued where such ores are destined for a local approved processing plant to ensure the optimal utilization of the mineral.

“..ore movement permits for lithium ores will only be issued where such ores are destined for a local Approved Processing Plant, Lithium ores can only be stored at the mining site where such ores were mined, or at a approved for local Approved Processing Plant,” the policy reads.

The Lithium Ore Purchase License will be a requirement for an entity to buy ores from miners, and a local processing plant will be mandatory for getting the license. This move aims to create a structured market and encourages investment in the creation of processing plants.

“Any entity will require a Lithium Ore Purchase Licence to buy ores from miners. A local Approved Processing Plant will be a condition for obtaining getting the Lithium Ore  Purchase Licence,” the policy reads in part.

The policy also outlines that all players in the lithium sector must submit a summary of monthly reconciliations of ore movements to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. This requirement is intended to ensure accountability, transparency, and traceability in the lithium supply chain.

At the same time, materials can only qualify as concentrate for export if they meet the minimum technical specifications and set minimum prices by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe.

“…all players in the lithium sector, whether miners or holders of Approved Processing Plant, shall submit a summary of monthly reconciliations of ore movements to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development; and for any material to qualify as a concentrate for approval for export, it shall meet the minimum set technical specifications and the minimum selling price as set by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe on a regular basis,” read the statement.

Lithium is a crucial mineral for the production of rechargeable batteries used in a wide range of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles, making this policy change significant for the industry.

BREAKING: Zimbabwe to conduct a countrywide responsible Mining audit

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BREAKING: Zimbabwe to conduct a countrywide responsible Mining audit

Cabinet has agreed that for a period of two months, May and June 2023, a responsible Mining audit will be conducted countrywide.

This was announced at the 10th post cabinet Press briefing yesterday.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development will coordinate the audit which is set to start on the 10th of May, 2023.

“The objective of the Initiative is to ensure that all mining operations are conducted in accordance with the country’s laws. The audit team will comprise members from the following Ministries, Departments and Agencies: Mines and Mining Development, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Local Government and Public Works, Energy and Power Development, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Departments of Immigration and Labour, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Environmental Management Agency, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” Mines and Mining Development Minister said in a statement.

Zimbabwe’s mining industry is central to the country’s economic growth, accounting for up to 60% of its export revenue. However, the industry has faced criticism in the past for being associated with environmental degradation, social unrest, and human rights abuses.

Small-scale mining has become a significant source of livelihood for many people in Zimbabwe, but it is also notorious for environmental degradation and labour exploitation. In recent years, steps have been taken by the government and various stakeholders to promote responsible mining practices in the small-scale mining sector.

One of the key strategies is the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to reduce the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining. Zimbabwe has already started phasing out mercury use and promoting the use of alternative technologies such as borax and cyanide.

The Zimbabwean government has introduced policies aimed at promoting responsible mining practices. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, for example, has mandated that all mining operations must have an approved environmental management plan before they commence extraction. This plan should include mitigation measures to prevent or reduce environmental damage, as well as provisions for post-mining site rehabilitation.

The government has also put in place regulations governing the use of water in mining, requiring companies to adhere to strict guidelines on the usage, disposal, and treatment of wastewater. The goal is to reduce pollution of water sources, which can have far-reaching consequences on both human health and the environment.

Govt: Mine & process or sell your lithium to plant owners

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Govt: Mine & process or sell your lithium to plant owners

Zimbabwe government has announced that any individual or entity that owns a lithium concession can now Mine lithium ores for processing at its own approved processing plant or sell to those with approved processing plants.

Updating the nation on his Twitter account after the post-cabinet briefing, Secretary of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana announced the development.

“Any individual or entity which owns a lithium concession can mine lithium ores for either; 1- processing at its own Approved Processing Plant, 2- for sale to those with Approved Processing Plant locally,” Mangwana said in a statement.

He also said parties interested in processing Lithium ores are now required to construct approved processing plants locally.

“Any individual or entity wishing to process lithium ores will be required to construct an Approved Processing Plant locally,” he continued.

He also said Lithium ore should be stored at the site where its mined at or at an approved processing plant.

“Lithium Ore must be stored at a mining site where such ores were mined, or at a locally Approved Processing Plant,” he continued.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe list Areas of verified Lithium deposits in Zimbabwe are Goromonzi, Mudzi, Buhera, Bikita, Chegutu, Hwange, Harare, Insiza, Rushinga, Mutoko, Mutare and Hwange. However, Lithium continues to be discovered in various areas across the country. So far the mineral has been discovered in areas such as Mberengwa, Bindura, and Kadoma.

Zimbabwe gold prices 19 April 2023

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Zimbabwe gold prices 19 April 2023

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices Wednesday 19 April 2023. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices for today.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$61.06/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$60.10/g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$59.46/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$58.81/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$57.85/g
FIRE ASSAY CASH US$61.06/g

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100gs and no sample is deducted.
For the Fire Assay Transfer price, a sample of not more than 10g is deducted
A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (small-scale miners)
A 5% royalty is charged to Primary Producers

Cash available. Fidelity Gold Refinery prices will be changing daily in relation to world market prices.

A closer look at mining investment opportunities available in Zimbabwe

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A closer look at mining investment opportunities available in Zimbabwe

In order to achieve increased and sustained growth in the mining sector, the government of Zimbabwe is targeting to develop the Gold ore to bullion processing, Diamond cutting and polishing, Base metals (nickel, copper, iron, cobalt) recovery from PGMs, Coal to Coke, Phosphate to fertiliser, and Chrome to ferrochrome.

Mining Zimbabwe takes a closer look into these Mining Investment opportunities currently available for interested investors.

Gold Ore to Bullion Processing

Gold ore to bullion processing is one business opportunity that has been around for a while, and it continues to offer huge potential for entrepreneurs. The fact that gold is a precious metal that is highly valuable makes the entire process of extracting it from the ore, processing it, and turning it into bullion a lucrative business venture.

Investing in this business requires substantial capital, but the returns can be significant. Finding lucrative deposits is easy as the mineral is available in every province including Harare. Gold ore processing is essentially a mining business that involves digging deep into the ground to extract the precious metal in its raw form. The ore is then processed through several stages of refining, which can range from cyanide leaching to smelting.

The demand for gold is always high, and as such, having a gold mine that can produce consistent supplies of high-quality bullion can be a valuable business proposition.

Diamond Cutting and Polishing

Diamond cutting and polishing is another business opportunity that has been around for decades, but with advancements in diamond-cutting technology, the business has become more lucrative. The process of cutting and polishing diamonds involves intricate precision work and specialized equipment, which requires skilled labourers.

One of the significant advantages of this business is that diamond cutting and polishing can be done with relatively little capital investment. With the right combination of skilled labour and equipment, entrepreneurs can access a highly profitable industry.

Polishing can be extended to semi-precious stones which are available in abundance in the country.

Base Metals (Nickel, Copper, Iron, Cobalt) Recovery from PGMs

Base metals like nickel, copper, iron, and cobalt are highly valuable resources and have a variety of crucial applications in different industries. However, these metals are often found within platinum-group metals (PGMs), which makes extracting them a highly challenging task.

Investing in base metal recovery from PGMs requires specialized knowledge and equipment, but the potential returns are significant. The process involves extracting the base metals from the PGMs using specialized chemical processes before refining the metals into usable forms.

Coal to Coke

Coal-to-coke processing is a business opportunity that involves taking raw coal and turning it into coke. Coke is highly valuable as it is a critical component in the production of iron and steel. The demand for Coke is always high, and as such, investing in this business can be highly profitable.

The process of coal-to-coke conversion involves heating the coal at high temperatures to around 1000 degrees Celsius, which removes any impurities from the coal, leading to the production of coke. The process is highly energy-intensive, but when done in bulk, returns can be significant.

Zimbabwe has significant Coal deposits in Gokwe, Chiredzi, Beitbridge, Mwenezi, Hwange, Lupane, Binga, Kariba, Hurungwe, Bikita.

Phosphate to Fertilizer

Phosphate to fertilizer processing is a business opportunity that involves converting raw phosphate into useful crop fertilisers. As the world’s population continues to grow, the need for sustainable and effective agricultural solutions also rises, making investing in phosphate to fertilizer processing a highly valuable proposition.

The process of converting phosphate to fertilizer involves using specialized machinery and equipment to add nitrogen, potassium, and other essential nutrients to the phosphate before creating a usable fertilizer. The business requires significant capital investment, but with high demand, the returns can also be high.

Chrome to Ferrochrome

Finally, chrome-to-ferrochrome processing is a business opportunity that involves extracting high-quality chromium ore and converting it into ferrochrome – a highly valuable alloy used in the production of stainless steel. The demand for ferrochrome is high, and as such, investing in this industry is highly lucrative.

The process involves ore extraction, smelting, and refining into high-quality ferrochrome using specialized machinery and equipment. With high demand and significant returns, entrepreneurs willing to invest in the industry can reap significant profits.

Conclusion

Investing in any of the above business opportunities in Zimbabwe requires a significant amount of capital investment, specialized knowledge, and access to the right equipment and machinery. However, with the right resources and expertise, investors can access highly profitable industries that offer significant returns on investment. From gold ore to bullion processing, diamond cutting and polishing, base metals recovery, coal to coke, phosphate to fertilizer, and chrome to ferrochrome, these industries offer huge potential for investors with the right skills and resources.

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