Zimbabwe is consolidating its position as one of Africa's leading destinations for lithium mining, as Indian firm Lohum commences mining operations in the country and dispatches its first shipment of ore.
The Indian company announced on Wednesday, 9 September, the export of its first lithium ore consignment from Zimbabwe, marking the formal start of its mining activity in the Southern African nation.
Lohum has secured rights over ten lithium exploration blocks in Matabeleland South province, covering approximately 1,100 hectares. The assets hold estimated deposits of between 30 million and 40 million tonnes of ore.
From those deposits, the company estimates production of around 300,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, with an approximate value of US$7 billion at current prices.
The company also holds an option to acquire up to 90 adjacent mining blocks, which could significantly expand its footprint in Zimbabwe's lithium sector.
Lohum's entry into Zimbabwe forms part of the company's broader strategy to secure direct access to critical minerals and strengthen its presence across the value chain — spanning mining and refining through to manufacturing and recycling.
Lohum chief executive Rajat Verma said that securing lithium supply directly at the source would help reduce battery costs and reinforce India's electric vehicle supply chain.
The company also intends to develop processing capacity within Zimbabwe itself, rather than limiting operations to the export of raw ore, enabling the country to capture greater value along the lithium supply chain.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=538709
