THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) approved two mining Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the second quarter of this year, with a combined value of US$US$28.6 million.
The PPPs will proceed to the feasibility study stage, according to Zida’s 2023 second quarter report.
The two mining PPPs approved are for copper and graphite.
A Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) and Afrochine Smelting Ltd partnership was approved to resume copper mining at Sanyati Mine at a cost of US$22,9 million.
Another US$5,7 million partnership between ZMDC and iRise (Pvt) Ltd for graphite mining and processing at Lynx Mine was approved. iRise will finance the graphite mining exploration study.
Zida is also working on a number of other investment proposals in mining and other economic sectors.
The Mining Promotion Corporation (MPC) is desirous to enter an unsolicited PPP with an identified investor for the exploration, mining and beneficiation of lithium on tenements held by MPC. The agency said it was at an advanced stage of reviewing submissions made by MPC for recommendation to the PPP committee in the third quarter.
MARS Jewels, a family business with over 50 years of experience, seeks to set up a manufacturing plant specialising in jewellery manufacturing, diamond cutting, polishing and a technical college to train local artisans. The agency is working on possible joint venture partnerships with Aurex Private Limited.
The agency is working on the establishment of an Agro-Industrial Park SEZ at Mgargwi Farm in Goromonzi district. Zida said it was in the process of gazetting a preliminary notice for the designation of the proposed SEZ.
The organisation is also processing the application for the designation of a Power and Metallurgical SEZ in Beitbridge by Xintai Resources (Private) Limited which has proposed to construct a thermal power plant, coal washing plant, iron and steel plant and a ferrochrome smelter. (Newsday, with further editing by Mining Index)
