Le Monde (France): Zimbabwe has six industrial-scale lithium mines, all invested in and built by Chinese enterprises
An article published by Le Monde on Monday introduced how Zimbabwe, a major lithium-producing country in Africa, is seeking to break China’s dominance over its mining sector. The article states that in recent years, thanks to its abundant lithium resources and large-scale investments from Chinese companies, Zimbabwe has rapidly emerged as the world’s fourth-largest lithium producer. Currently, Zimbabwe has six industrial-scale lithium mines, all controlled by Chinese enterprises. While Chinese companies have driven the development of Zimbabwe’s lithium industry, they have also established a de facto monopoly in the sector.
Le Monde specifically reported on the Arcadia lithium mine located in Goromonzi. Acquired and developed by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt in 2022, the Arcadia mine is the second-largest lithium mine in Africa.
The article notes that in the town of Goromonzi, whether day or night, heavy trucks laden with ore continuously stream out from the nearby Arcadia mine. As the second-largest lithium mine in Africa, the Arcadia site lies just a stone’s throw from residential areas. The trucks raise thick clouds of dust as they travel approximately 40 kilometers toward the capital city, Harare.
Five years ago, Goromonzi was a quiet township of around 5,000 people, primarily engaged in horticulture. However, as global competition for this critical mineral resource intensifies, the fate of this town has been completely transformed.
Aside from the Arcadia mine, the other five industrial-scale lithium mines in Zimbabwe are also entirely under Chinese control. Chinese enterprises have cumulatively invested nearly $1.5 billion, and the lithium products produced are almost entirely exported to China.
Zimbabwe has become Africa’s largest lithium producer and is set to rank among the world’s top four lithium producers by 2025. According to data from the Canadian government, Zimbabwe’s lithium output now accounts for 9.3% of the global total.
"Fully Controlling Our Own Mines"
However, as the lithium industry rapidly develops, the Zimbabwean government has begun reevaluating this model of resource exploitation. Authorities have now declared their goal of “fully controlling our own mines,” aiming to reduce excessive reliance on Chinese enterprises and increase Zimbabwe’s share of revenues from resource development.
In February this year, the Zimbabwean government implemented an unexpected measure: banning the export of unprocessed lithium ore. A senior official said the export ban was intended to signal to the world that Zimbabwe is a significant player—a nation with a voice capable of engaging in equal dialogue with major powers.
Under this export restriction, foreign enterprises—primarily Chinese firms—must establish refining plants within Zimbabwe by January 2027. Lithium ore must be processed locally into lithium sulfate powder before export, thereby enhancing the added value of exported products.
Currently, three lithium refining plants are under construction nationwide, with the first one already operational in Goromonzi.
In April this year, Zimbabwe made its first export of lithium sulfate. At the same time, driven by rising lithium prices in China, Zimbabwe’s lithium product exports reached nearly $1 billion in the first quarter, marking a 79% year-on-year increase.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866886560955404/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author