Zimbabwe's first lithium sulphate plant to start production

The first phase of construction at the US$400 million Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe sulphate plant is expected to be completed early next year, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando has announced.

Touring the facility yesterday, Minister Chitando said the lithium sulphate plant, which converts lithium concentrate into battery-ready sulphate, is being developed in three phases.

"What we have here is the first line, which will be up and running by early next year. Zimbabwe will be producing its first lithium sulphate at the beginning of 2026. The other two phases are expected to be complete by the second quarter, around April," he said.

The project, which began earlier this year, represents a major step in Zimbabwe's value addition strategy for its mineral resources, moving from extraction to processing and finally into battery manufacturing.

"Thanks to the policies of His Excellency and his vision for Zimbabwe as open for business, we are now seeing the fruits of a policy that encourages investors to undertake full value addition from extraction to battery-ready material," Minister Chitando added.

In addition to the sulphate plant, Prospect Lithium is constructing a 70MW power station to ensure a reliable electricity supply for operations.

The Government has also introduced a policy framework stipulating that, from January 2027, no lithium concentrates will be allowed for export, pushing local producers toward full beneficiation.

"Those who won't comply by January 2027 will not be allowed to export. We'll see what then happens, but no exports will be allowed," Minister Chitando warned.

The lithium sulphate project is expected to position Zimbabwe as a significant producer in the global battery materials market, supporting the country's goal of industrialisation and economic growth through value addition in the mining sector.