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.
