Lithium Mineral in Zimbabwe

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CMMINING

July 21, 2025

On July 21, 2025

Zimbabwe is emerging as a key player in the global lithium supply chain, with significant lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits that are being actively explored and developed. As demand for lithium surges—driven by the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy storage industries—Zimbabwe’s lithium resources are attracting international investment and attention.

Here’s a detailed look at lithium mineral in Zimbabwe, including its geological setting, major projects, and economic significance.

1. Lithium Resources in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s lithium resources are primarily found in pegmatite bodies that contain spodumene, the most economically viable lithium mineral for battery production.

Estimated lithium reserves: Several pegmatite-rich zones with high-grade lithium deposits
Key lithium belt: The Archaean-aged granitic terrains of Manicaland, Masvingo, and Mashonaland East provinces
Notable projects:
Pete Lithium Mine (African Metals)
Arcadia Lithium Project (Allkem Ltd)
Sakwara and Kamativi projects (Zulu Minerals and others)

These deposits are part of the Pan-African lithium corridor, which includes lithium-rich pegmatites in Namibia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2. Lithium-Bearing Minerals in Zimbabwe

The main lithium mineral found in Zimbabwe is:

Spodumene (LiAlSi₂O₆): A high-grade lithium mineral commonly found in granite pegmatites
Lepidolite: A lithium-rich mica present in some pegmatite bodies
Amblygonite: A phosphate mineral found in trace amounts in lithium pegmatites

These minerals are mined and processed to produce lithium concentrate, which is then shipped for refining into battery-grade lithium carbonate or hydroxide.

3. Key Lithium Projects in Zimbabwe

Arcadia Lithium Project (Allkem Ltd)

Located near Harare
High-grade spodumene pegmatite deposit
One of the most advanced lithium projects in Zimbabwe

Pete Lithium Project (African Metals Corp)

Located in Manicaland Province
High-grade lithium pegmatite with potential for large-scale production
Attracting investment from global battery and EV supply chain companies

Kamativi Lithium Project

Located in Matabeleland North
Previously a tin mine, now being re-evaluated for lithium potential
Part of the broader Kamativi Pegmatite Belt

These projects are part of a broader African lithium boom, with Zimbabwe positioned as a major producer in Southern Africa.

4. Lithium Mining and Production

Lithium in Zimbabwe is primarily extracted through hard rock mining, using open-pit or underground methods to access lithium-rich pegmatites.

Mining: Ore is extracted using conventional drill-and-blast techniques
Processing: Ore is crushed, concentrated using froth flotation, and shipped as spodumene concentrate
Export: Most lithium from Zimbabwe is exported to China, where it is refined into battery-grade material

Efforts are underway to develop domestic lithium refining to add value before export.

5. Government Policy and Strategic Importance

The Zimbabwean government has recognized lithium as a strategic resource and is taking steps to:

Encourage investment in lithium exploration and mining
Regulate exports to promote domestic processing and beneficiation
Support local employment and economic development through lithium projects

Zimbabwe is also part of regional initiatives to build a Southern African lithium supply chain, working with countries like Namibia and Mozambique.

6. Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

Infrastructure limitations in remote mining areas
Power and water supply constraints
Regulatory and policy uncertainty
Global market volatility affecting investment timelines

Opportunities:

High-grade lithium deposits with potential for long-term production
Growing demand for battery-grade lithium from Asia and Europe
Strategic partnerships with EV and battery companies
Development of local lithium processing to increase value capture

FAQs

Q1: Does Zimbabwe have lithium?
A1: Yes, Zimbabwe has high-grade lithium pegmatites, particularly in Manicaland and Mashonaland, with active mining and exploration projects underway.

Q2: What lithium minerals are found in Zimbabwe?
A2: The primary lithium mineral is spodumene, with lepidolite and amblygonite also present in some pegmatite bodies.

Q3: Who is investing in Zimbabwe’s lithium industry?
A3: International companies like Allkem (Arcadia Project) and African Metals (Pete Lithium) are actively involved, with interest from Chinese and European battery manufacturers.

Conclusion

Zimbabwe is becoming a key source of lithium mineral, particularly spodumene, and is poised to play a growing role in the global clean energy transition. With high-grade deposits, strategic government support, and international investment, Zimbabwe’s lithium industry has the potential to become a major contributor to Africa’s battery materials supply chain.