Kamativi lithium mine undergoes global responsible‑mining audit

KAMATIVI - Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) has taken a major step toward global transparency after formally committing to an independent audit of its lithium operations under the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) Standard, widely regarded as the world's most comprehensive benchmark for responsible large‑scale mining.

The Yahua Group‑owned operation recently signed agreements with IRMA and the approved audit firm Resilience Environmental Assurance (REA), paving the way for a detailed assessment of more than 400 environmental, social and governance requirements. IRMA has confirmed the start of the audit through its public notification system.

The development comes as Zimbabwe intensifies its push for ethical mineral extraction through the National Responsible Mining Audit Framework, a government‑led initiative designed to ensure that the country's fast‑growing lithium sector does not compromise ecosystems or community rights.

Kamativi is now being evaluated against the only global responsible‑mining standard created through a multi‑stakeholder process involving mining companies, mineral purchasers, civil society organisations, labour unions and affected communities. By voluntarily entering the IRMA system, the Hwange‑based mine is subjecting itself to scrutiny that extends far beyond traditional compliance, covering issues ranging from business integrity and worker safety to water protection, biodiversity management and community engagement.

The audit will be conducted in two phases, beginning with a desk review followed by an on‑site assessment. During the site visit, auditors will conduct confidential interviews with workers and community members without mine management present, ensuring an accurate reflection of the mine's impact. They will also verify company documentation through direct observation and engagement with those most affected by mining activities.

The process is unfolding at a time when Kamativi is rapidly expanding its operations. Phase II of the mine, constructed by China Railway No. 9 Group, recently came online, increasing processing capacity to more than two million tonnes of lithium ore per year. Output is expected to approach half a million tonnes of lithium concentrate annually, positioning Zimbabwe as a rising force in the global battery‑minerals market. This growth has heightened the importance of responsible‑mining verification for international buyers, particularly in the electric‑vehicle and technology sectors.

Stakeholders, including workers, residents and community organisations, are invited to submit comments or request interviews with the audit team. Once the site visit is complete, auditors will prepare a draft report for review by both IRMA and KMC. The company will then have up to 12 months to implement corrective actions before the final report is published. IRMA will release a public summary and a detailed breakdown of how the mine performed against each requirement, assigning an achievement level visible to global markets.

KMC's decision to undergo the audit signals a strong commitment to ethical supply chains at a time when global manufacturers are increasingly selective about the origins of their raw materials. By voluntarily inviting independent scrutiny, the company is positioning itself as a leader in Zimbabwe's extractive sector and demonstrating that responsible mining is not a regulatory burden but a core part of its operational identity.

The move also strengthens the mine's social licence in the Hwange District by empowering communities and workers to speak freely about the mine's impact. As Zimbabwe's lithium sector expands, Kamativi's participation in the IRMA system is likely to become a benchmark for future mining investments, setting a new standard for transparency, accountability and community‑centred development.