UK-based mining company Galileo Resources reported positive results from its initial drilling program at the Kamativi Lithium-Tin Mine in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe. This project has garnered attention as Zimbabwe aims to leverage the increasing global demand for lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries.
Galileo, listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), began exploration activities at Kamativi last year, situated near the inactive Kamativi Tin Mine known for its substantial lithium resources in tailings, particularly spodumene, a prized lithium mineral.
The company expressed excitement over the Phase 1 drilling assay results. Samples, collected over a 1 square kilometer area, revealed lithium oxide (Li2O) concentrations reaching 1.03% over a four-meter section.
“An unusual feature of this discovery is the spread of highly anomalous lithium through the mica schist host rock as opposed to being solely contained within the pegmatite”, said Galileo Chairman and CEO Colin Bird. “We have no doubt that discordant pegmatites are the drivers to lithium content and our mapping programmes have located more discordant pegmatites thanpreviously recognised”.
The discovery of tin alongside lithium is unsurprising, given the historical tin production at the nearby Kamativi mine. In some cases, the two metals appear to coincide.
Encouraged by the initial results, Galileo plans further drilling focused on pegmatite intrusions and the source of widespread lithium occurrences within the current target zone and four others identified on the property. Additionally, the company will explore targets near the historic Gwaii Copper Mine, where new soil anomalies were discovered.
Lithium’s role in electric vehicle batteries has driven its rise as a highly sought-after mineral. Demand is expected to surge globally as the world transitions towards EVs, a key initiative in reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and curbing harmful emissions.
Zimbabwe, boasting the world’s sixth-largest lithium reserves, is poised to benefit from this growing demand despite current commodity price fluctuations.
Text: Natasha Munyukwa