Sabi Star Mine to save on power bill as 15 MW stat...

Sabi Star Mine to save on power bill as 15 MW station nears completion

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Buhera-based Sabi Star Lithium Mine is set to complete construction of its 15 megawatts thermal power plant by the second half of this year, a development that is set to cut its heavy expenditure on power caused by the rising costs of diesel for its heavy duty generators.

According to sources, the lithium mine invested over US$25 million in the power plant, which has been earmarked for completion at the start of the second half of the year, with estimates pegging civil works completion at 80%.

The mine is currently relying on generators that have increased expenditure due to fuel costs and maintenance, with the switch to low cost thermal power set to ease expenses.

Sabi Star Mine manager, Oswald Makonese, in an interview with a daily publication, revealed that civil works are almost complete, with power equipment already in place for assembling.

He also noted that authorities have reserved at least 3 MW will be fed into the national grid for the benefit as the mine systems only require 12MW.

“We had massive progress last year. Civil works are at 80% completion. We have already taken delivery of all the machinery and equipment for the power plant.

“What is left is just to assemble the power equipment. We are pleased with the progress so far. The mine system has a requirement of 12MW and there are plans to feed the additional 3MW into the national grid for the benefit of the near-by community,” he said.

The mine expected produces some of Africa’s best grade of spodumene ore, with a yearly production of over 300 000 tonnes of concentrate worth US$600 million as per prevailing market prices.