Kuvimba Mining House Secures Major Investment for Sandawana Lithium Mine

Mberengwa – Kuvimba Mining House (KMH), a prominent player in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, has secured significant financial backing for its Sandawana Mines lithium project. This landmark investment, totalling US$310 million, comes from leading British and Chinese companies, signalling growing international confidence in Zimbabwe’s mineral resources.

The deal, finalised on July 10th, involves a six-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement. It will see the construction of a state-of-the-art ore processing plant, expected to be operational within 18 months. This plant is projected to process 3 million tonnes of ore annually, yielding an estimated US$600 million per year from 600,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate.

Beyond financial gains, the project is set to create employment opportunities, boost local infrastructure, and enhance community development. Sandawana Mines already employs over 600 local people, with a commitment to reserving 20% of vacancies for women. The mine is also investing in healthcare, upgrading the Sandawana Mines clinic and partnering with national health service providers to build a modern hospital in Mberengwa.

Additionally, KMH is investing in infrastructure development, widening and rehabilitating over 20km of roads in Mberengwa, with plans to develop a 100km road network linking the mine to Zvishavane. A 30km water pipeline will also be constructed, benefitting communities along the route.

KMH Acting Group CEO, Trevor Barnard, expressed enthusiasm about the agreements, highlighting the growing trust in Zimbabwe’s minerals sector and KMH’s commitment to responsible resource management.

Sandawana Mines, located in the Mberengwa district, boasts one of Africa’s largest lithium deposits. It is also rich in tantalite, mica, and gold.

This significant investment in Sandawana Mines marks a milestone for Kuvimba Mining House and the Zimbabwean mining industry, paving the way for further growth and development in the region.

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