700 new jobs. . President inaugurates work at lithium mine

Farirai Machivenyika, Harare Office
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiated yesterday at the inauguration ceremony of the Arcadia lithium mine work in Goromonzi, during which an initial investment of $ 165 million will be invested in the project.

The project, led by the Australian company Prospect Resources, is expected to employ more than 700 people in its first phase and the construction of other amenities such as roads, schools and homes.

President Mnangagwa said opening the mine was in line with the government's policy of industrializing the country.

"The opening of this new mine is part of my government's desire to make a quantum leap in the industrialization and modernization of the country," he said. "I congratulate Prospect Resources Limited on this important achievement that will greatly contribute to the development of our country.

"Zimbabwe is home to abundant natural resources and highly diversified mineral resources, including lithium."

President Mnangagwa said that lithium should be one of the main mining sub-sectors that will play an important role in the recovery of the economy.

He said mining was essential to achieving the 2030 Vision to make the country a higher-middle-income economy.

"In this regard, we continue to implement comprehensive reforms to strengthen our country's competitiveness in this and other sectors, in the context of regional and global trends," said President Mnangagwa.

He congratulated the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and other stakeholders for accelerating the opening of the mine.

"In keeping with the spirit of our facility and our reform costs, we commend the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and other regulatory agencies for facilitating and finalizing the regulatory approvals required the start of this project, "he said. .

"This then allowed investors to consolidate their preparatory work and raise funds to finance projects, which allowed this inaugural ceremony of the works.

President Mnangagwa urged investors to start production on time.

"I look forward to the immediate start of this project with the establishment of an open pit mine that will be part of an integrated project that also includes ore processing plants," he said. he declared.

"As the project is implemented, the creation of wealth and jobs, as well as the improvement of the standard of living of our population, must be inseparable elements of your model. 39; company.

"I've heard that more than 700 jobs would be created and that this would be mostly local. As a government, we are grateful. "

President Mnangagwa said the project has other benefits, including the transfer of technology and skills and the development of new skills.

"In parallel with expanding the range of minerals exploited in our country, we urge mining companies to create value chain links and strategic partnerships with higher education institutions through targeted training aimed at provide local people with the necessary technical skills and know-how, "he said. .

President Mnangagwa urged investors to come to the country to facilitate inclusive economic growth and empowering residents.

Zimbabwe has one of the largest reserves of lithium in Africa, with proven deposits in Bikita, Goromonzi and Kamativi.

The Arcadia mine is expected to produce 2.5 million tonnes of lithium per year when it reaches optimal production.