The Zimbabwean government is taking a bold step towards economic diversification and value addition with the planned construction of a massive mine-to-energy industrial park in Mapinga, Mashonaland West province. This ambitious project, the first of its kind in the country, signifies a strategic shift towards maximizing the benefits of Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources, particularly lithium.
This ambitious project is being made possible through a collaborative effort between the Zimbabwean government and two Chinese investment firms, Eagle Canyon International Group Limited and Pacific Goal Investment.
The park, envisioned as a US$13 billion behemoth upon completion, will be built on a sprawling 5,000-hectare site situated conveniently along the Harare-Chinhoyi Road. This strategic location will not only facilitate efficient transportation of raw materials and finished products but also position the park as a key player in the national economic landscape.
Underscoring the collaborative nature of the project, a high-level delegation comprising Mines and Mining Development Minister Zhemu Soda, his deputy Polite Kambamura, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo, representatives from Eagle Canyon and Pacific, and other government officials, conducted a site visit of the planned mine-to-energy park in Mapinga.
The driving force behind this project is the desire to unlock the true potential of Zimbabwe’s lithium reserves, currently the largest in Africa. In 2022, the government made a decisive move by banning the export of raw lithium ore. This policy shift aims to stimulate the domestic production of high-value lithium products like battery-grade lithium, a critical component in the ever-growing electric vehicle industry.
The mine-to-energy park will be a multi-faceted industrial hub encompassing a variety of facilities. A key highlight is the construction of a coking plant with a dual production capacity. Here, the plant will churn out 1.2 million tonnes of coke annually, a crucial element in steel production, while simultaneously generating 130,000 tonnes of lithium salt – a stepping stone towards battery-grade lithium.
Furthermore, the park will boast two power stations with a combined capacity of 600 megawatts. This substantial boost to the national grid will not only power the park’s own operations but also contribute significantly to alleviating the country’s ongoing energy challenges.
The industrial complex will extend its reach beyond lithium by incorporating a graphite processing plant, a nickel chromium alloy smelter, and a nickel sulphate plant. This diversification ensures the park capitalizes on Zimbabwe’s wealth of other valuable minerals, fostering a more robust and sustainable economic model.
The impact of this project is expected to be far-reaching. Increased beneficiation of minerals will translate to a significant rise in export value, generating much-needed foreign currency for the nation. Additionally, the creation of a dedicated industrial zone will attract further investment, stimulate job creation, and empower local communities.
Analysts view this initiative as a strong testament to the government’s commitment to unlocking the true potential of Zimbabwe’s abundant mineral resources. The fact that Zimbabwe want to move beyond raw material extraction and focusing on value addition, positions itself to reap the long-term benefits associated with a robust and diversified mining sector.
The success of the mine-to-energy park will hinge on the effective collaboration between the government, investors, and mining companies.
With careful planning, strategic execution, and a deliberate focus on local community development, the Mapinga mine-to-energy park has the potential to be a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s economy. This project signifies a pivotal step towards a future powered by innovation, resourcefulness, and a commitment to sustainable development.
Text by Martin Chemhere