CHINESE high tech enterprise, Huayou Cobalt (Huayou) is placing significant emphasis on its Arcadia Lithium Mine, investing about US$400 million to complete a new lithium sulphate processing plant for its two subsidiaries — Acardia Technology Zimbabwe (ATZ) and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ).
The new lithium sulphate processing plant is expected to be completed in 2026.
Hauyou Cobalt is a Chinese firm that has enterprises in many countries across the world, including sulphate and nickel in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The plant, which is under construction, is expected to produce more than 50000tpa (tonnes per annum) of lithium sulphate.
Speaking during a media tour of the new plant, environmental, social and governance (ESG) director Yu Long said the sulphate plant is one of its kind in Zimbabwe and Africa.
“Notably, the plant stands as the first of its kind in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole and the third globally. Huayou Cobalt has invested US$400 million to construct this plant, a cutting edge technology in the industry,” Yu said.
“In addition, Goromonzi district and the whole nation are set to benefit immensely through massive recruitment as the plant is set to employ more than 1 000 people drawn locally and beyond.”
He added: “The lithium sulphate plant is a major investment in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, leveraging Goromonzi’s rich lithium carbonate, which is a component in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and other modern technologies.”
ATZ managing director Henry Zhu said the new plant is not only a game changer, but has potential to create more jobs.
Meanwhile, the company has partnered another independent investor in thermal power — aiming for 70 megawatts output — which will help to ease dependence of electricity from the national grid.
“Furthermore, along with the lithium sulphate plant, a thermal power plant will be installed. The power plant is meant to ensure that both PLZ and ATZ have adequate uninterrupted power supply to operate at optimal levels,” Henry said.
“This investment again aligns with the government’s NDS1’s goal of ‘Economic growth and stability’ and the broader vision of achieving an upper middle income economy by 2030.”
According to Huayou Cobalt, the coal deposits will be transported from Hwange and a new conventional and an environmentally friendly technique will be used in the production.
PLZ is also involved in projects aimed at changing the lives of communities through its ESG initiatives.
The company is also involved in road construction, covering about 8km and currently working to finish the additional 4km from Majuru shopping centre to the Arda farm and the 4km piece is expected to be done this year,with other additional works to be done next year.
“We are working on the completion of the other 4km from the previous one that was done last year. The construction of these 4km is expected to be done before the end of this year,” public relations officer Patience Chizodza said.
Since it began operations in 2022, PLZ has invested in numerous corporate social responsibility initiatives in Goromonzi district worth over US$30million, including construction of classroom blocks and staff quarters at Vhuta Primary School as well as donating furniture to other schools.
The company has also embarked on projects that benefit the youth in the area. – (Newsday)
