Zimbabwe New Energy Lithium Battery

Why should Zimbabwe invest in lithium?

As the holder of the largest lithium reserves in Africa, Zimbabwe must seize this opportunity to leverage the rising demand for the mineral. This can be achieved by developing a robust sector that attracts new investments and fosters skills development, thereby adding value to its lithium resources.

Can Zimbabwe make lithium batteries?

For example, Zimbabwe might produce lithium but making the batteries require other components made from minerals that might not be available in Zimbabwe.

What is lithium mining in Zimbabwe?

Lithium mining in Zimbabwe is a relatively new phenomenon fueled by the reconfiguration of the global automotive industry in favor of EVs. There is thus very limited scholarly research on the extraction and export of lithium and indeed other CRMs.

Will lithium mining contribute to Zimbabwe's Vision 2030?

Developing countries such as Zimbabwe, which are rich in lithium deposits stand to benefit from the rising demand for CRMs. Lithium mining has the potential to contribute to the country’s Vision 2030 which aims to ‘chart a new transformative and inclusive development agenda’ through its National Development Strategy (NDS1).

Could lithium transform Zimbabwe's poverty?

The global demand for lithium, a mineral which is abundant across Zimbabwe, has raised hopes that its mining, beneficiation and export could transform the fortunes of millions of Zimbabweans who have suffered decades of economic under-development and poverty.

Why are Chinese investors coming to mine lithium in Zimbabwe?

The Chinese who are the main investors who have come to mine lithium in Zimbabwe, are people who don’t even recognize the labor laws of the country including any other law be it environmental or our cultural beliefs. The safety conditions, especially in the lithium sector, are a major concern and they need urgent review.