The Vice President of Zimbabwe, Hon. Kembo Mohadi, hailed Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s (PLZ) significant contributions to the mining sector during a recent tour of the company’s operations in Goromonzi. He also reaffirmed government support for the industry, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
During the exclusive tour of the Arcadia lithium project, one of Africa’s largest hard rock lithium processing plants, PLZ, a subsidiary of Huayou Cobalt, showcased its $700 million investment.
This has created employment for over 2,000 Zimbabweans and introduced cutting-edge mining practices, including efficient extraction methods, advanced ore processing, and improved safety protocols.
During the tour Mohadi commended PLZ for its state-of-the-art mining technologies and its role in advancing the country’s lithium industry, a key driver of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation visited Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) in Goromonzi, where he
”The mining sector, no doubt, stands as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, and Huayou Cobalt’s investment through PLZ has become a significant driver within this sector, I’m pleased to note the massive infrastructural development at this place here which I witnessed during the tour. The government welcomes the modern mining technologies and practices brought about by PLZ in the country. These include more efficient extraction methods, improved ore processing techniques as well as advanced safety protocols. We must leverage these advancements to improve overall efficiency and sustainability in the whole mining sector,” Mohadi said.
PLZ’s Arcadia project has the capacity to process 4.5 million tons of hard rock lithium per year into concentrate for export. The project is expected to play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving upper-middle-income status.
Speaking at the tour Mr. Henry Zhu, General Manager of PLZ said ” We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to showcase our operations to the Hon. Vice President, The government’s support for the lithium industry is crucial to our success, and we appreciate the Vice President’s interest in our project.”
Zhu also expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support, which has enabled the company to contribute significantly to national economic goals.
Beyond its mining operations, PLZ has launched various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Mashonaland East Province. In December 2024, the company unveiled the US$1.2 million Goromonzi Community Development Projects, which include the Health to Success healthcare program, Skill to Success youth vocational training, Weaving the Future women’s empowerment initiative, and Energy Equity to Success, focused on improving local electricity access.
The Vice President’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to supporting investments that drive economic growth. With lithium playing an increasingly strategic role in global energy markets, Zimbabwe’s mining sector remains a focal point for both local and international investors.
