africa country profile
Further investment is taking shape at Kamativi in Matabeleland North. Kamativi Mining Company, working with China’s Yahua Group, is developing a lithium sulphate facility incorporating a smelter and sulphuric acid plant. More than $200-million is being invested in the project, which is designed to produce 75 000 t/y of lithium sulphate and is expected to be commissioned in 2027. These projects demonstrate the scale of the industrial ecosystem developing around battery metals, and the potential stainless steel demand attached to it. Lithium processing involves corrosive chemicals, elevated temperatures and demanding operating environments in which material selection is critical. Opportunities extend to stainless steel tanks, process vessels, piping, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, ducting and acid-handling systems, as well as water-treatment equipment, laboratories and specialised maintenance. Higher-alloyed stainless steels may also be required in the most aggressive chemical environments. Zimbabwe plans to prohibit exports of unprocessed lithium concentrate from January 2027, placing pressure “Mining remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important economic engines, but the emerging opportunity lies increasingly beyond extraction… this is particularly evident in lithium, where about $2-billion has reportedly been invested since 2021”
supported by an agricultural rebound and stronger mining prices. Growth is expected to moderate during 2026, with forecasts generally ranging between 4.5% and 5%, which represents a comparatively strong performance within Southern Africa. Beneficiation moves to centre stage Mining remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important economic engines, but the emerging opportunity lies increasingly beyond extraction. The government is using export restrictions, investment incentives and procurement policies to encourage local beneficiation. This is particularly evident in lithium, where about $2-billion has reportedly been invested since 2021. Zimbabwe is Africa’s leading lithium producer and an increasingly important supplier to the global battery value chain. Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, has developed a lithium sulphate plant representing an investment of $400-million. With capacity exceeding 50 000 t/y, the plant marks a significant step from exporting concentrate towards producing higher- value intermediate battery materials.
32
Issue 3 – 2026
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online