Zimbabwe is calling on Chinese investors to seize first-mover advantage in one of Africa’s richest yet underexplored mining jurisdictions, as the nation positions itself as a key supplier of critical minerals for the global electric vehicle (EV) and green energy revolution, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha, Hunan Province, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) President Ms. Henrietta Rushwaya extended an open invitation to Chinese exploration firms, battery manufacturers, and energy companies to partner with Zimbabwe in unlocking the full potential of its mineral wealth — with a particular emphasis on rare earth elements (REEs), lithium, and other battery metals.
“Zimbabwe is open for transformative partnerships,” said Rushwaya. “We are not just offering minerals — we are offering access to a future-facing mining ecosystem. We welcome Chinese expertise in geophysics, remote sensing, and modern exploration techniques to help uncover new world-class deposits.”
With over 60 commercially exploitable minerals, Zimbabwe is among Africa’s most mineral-rich countries. Yet, the past two decades have seen limited investment in new exploration, leaving vast greenfield opportunities untapped. Rushwaya emphasized that Chinese investors are strategically placed to benefit from this exploration frontier — especially as global demand for EV inputs continues to surge.
Zimbabwe’s lithium industry is already being redefined by Chinese-backed investments. Arcadia Lithium Mine (Huayou Cobalt), Bikita Minerals (Sinomine), Kamativi (Sichuan PD Technology Group, a subsidiary of Yahua Group), and Sabi Star (MaxMind) have positioned the country as Africa’s fastest-growing lithium hub. Arcadia alone is set to contribute over 60,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate annually to global battery supply chains.
“We invite Chinese companies not only to mine but to invest in value addition — battery manufacturing, refining, and even EV assembly in Zimbabwe,” Rushwaya said. “Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, Zimbabwe offers access to a market of over 1.3 billion people — a perfect springboard for green mobility solutions made in Africa, by Africa, for Africa.”
She further highlighted the potential in Zimbabwe’s rare earths, referencing Prospect Resources’ promising Chishanya REE Project. Neodymium, praseodymium, and other key inputs for high-performance magnets and electronics are present in commercially viable concentrations.
To support this vision, Zimbabwe’s government has rolled out pro-investor mechanisms such as the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and a fast-track Investor Grievance Response Mechanism, aimed at de-risking capital inflows and ensuring dispute resolution.
Rushwaya also pointed to the energy sector as a high-impact opportunity, calling on Chinese investors to partner in solar, hydro, and clean coal power generation to support beneficiation and industrialization. “Reliable power is the lifeblood of mining and processing. With Zimbabwe’s abundant coal reserves and strong solar irradiation, energy partnerships are vital.”
Chinese-led projects such as Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) in Manhize and Palm River Mining in ferrochrome production are already laying the foundation for vertically integrated, industrial-scale operations that transform raw minerals into finished products.
“Zimbabwe is not just a source of raw materials,” Rushwaya concluded. “We are ready to co-create value with our Chinese partners — from exploration to EVs, from critical minerals to modern industry.
