Bikita Minerals to Construct US$400M Smelter

Rutendo Mazhindu - ZimNow Reporter

Bikita Minerals has announced plans to build a US$400 million lithium smelter in Masvingo Province, a transformative project expected to accelerate Zimbabwe’s beneficiation strategy and position the country as a key player in the global battery minerals supply chain.

The company, which is owned by China’s Sinomine Resource Group, said the new smelter will process petalite into battery-grade lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage systems.

“We are investing over US$400 million into this facility as part of our commitment to Zimbabwe’s vision of industrialisation and value addition,” said Wang Hui, General Manager of Bikita Minerals.

“This plant will not only process petalite but will also allow us to move up the value chain, ensuring we retain more value within the country.”

The development comes as Zimbabwe continues to restrict the export of raw lithium to encourage in-country processing and maximise returns from its vast mineral wealth.

“This smelter is a game changer,” said Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando.

“It marks a new chapter where Zimbabwe will not just export raw materials but will produce high-value lithium products for the global market. This is in line with the Second Republic’s thrust on beneficiation and value addition.”

The smelter is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during construction and more than 700 permanent positions once operational.

In addition to employment creation, the project will bolster Zimbabwe’s foreign currency earnings and contribute significantly to gross domestic product.

“We are very pleased with the progress Bikita Minerals is making,” said Hon. Chitando. “This investment shows confidence in Zimbabwe’s policies and reflects the potential of our mining sector as a pillar of economic growth.”

Bikita Minerals said construction is scheduled to begin before the end of 2025, with commissioning expected in 2027.

“This is not just a facility; it’s a symbol of Zimbabwe’s ambition to take charge of its mineral destiny,” said Mr Wang.

“We are working closely with government regulators and local stakeholders to ensure this project benefits the entire nation.”

The smelter will include advanced processing technologies to produce lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, which are in high demand globally.

Once complete, it will significantly reduce Zimbabwe’s dependency on exporting unprocessed lithium ore and place the country among Africa’s top lithium producers with downstream capabilities.

Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves and is ranked among the top ten globally, with demand for the mineral expected to soar due to the global shift towards green energy and EVs.