Source: Mining drive billion-dollar rural industrial push – herald
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
TWO of Buhera’s largest mining companies—Sabi Star Mine and Dorowa Minerals Limited—are establishing value addition and beneficiation infrastructure in line with the national ban on raw mineral exports, particularly lithium.
The projects are expected to spark rural industrialisation in one of Manicaland’s driest and most impoverished districts.
The developments were highlighted during Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga’s tour of the two mines this week.
Following his visit to Dorowa Minerals, which is being revived through a US$5,3 million injection from the Mutapa Investment Fund, and to Sabi Star Mine, VP Chiwenga expressed satisfaction with progress at both sites.
He underscored the importance of ensuring that all mineral output is value-added and beneficiated to drive industrialisation and economic growth in Buhera.
Phosphate produced at Dorowa is a key input in the manufacture of Compound D and Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium (NPK) fertilisers at Zimphos and the Zimbabwe Fertiliser Company (ZFC).
“When I last visited Sabi Star Mine, the power plant was not yet operational, but it is now up and running. They have also discovered substantial tantalite deposits, diversifying their operations. We have discussed the way forward, emphasising beneficiation and value addition to grow the manufacturing sector,” said VP Chiwenga.
He stressed that rural development and industrialisation must go beyond the ban on raw mineral exports, focusing instead on sustainable growth through manufacturing, infrastructure development, and corporate social responsibility.
“Extracting minerals without adding value does not contribute to sustainable growth. We must prioritise industrial growth, manufacturing and infrastructure development for current and future generations. These companies are producing significant quantities, but production must now be directed towards value addition and beneficiation,” he added.
VP Chiwenga said the country is now firmly on track, noting that new equipment has been installed at Dorowa Minerals and that fertiliser production has become critical to sustaining crop yields.
“The plant itself is a marvel. Fertiliser has become key to our crop production. Because of the geopolitical situation, much of the fertiliser we used to source was produced in the Middle East; we now need to produce fertiliser ourselves. We want a Whole-of-Government approach to ensure all required steps are carried out concurrently so that we can produce enough of our basic fertiliser,” he said.
Dorowa Minerals Ltd general manager, Mr Hensen Mambo, outlined ambitious plans to unlock US$1,2 billion for the Shawa all-in-one project, which will replicate Zimphos’ operations and target regional markets.
The first phase, requiring US$525 million, will establish a mine, fertiliser production facility, and acid plant, designed to meet Zimbabwe’s needs and supply SADC, COMESA, and wider African markets.
“At a strategic level, Dorowa owns the Shawa claims, which contain higher-grade phosphate, vermiculite, and magnetite. The long-term strategy is to unlock funding for the project and produce beyond national requirements. We are engaging partners and exploring debt financing through Afrexin Bank and other multilateral institutions,” said Mr Mambo.
The mine is expected to produce 150 000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate annually, covering more than half of Zimbabwe’s basal fertiliser demand.
Mr Mambo added that full-capacity operations will significantly lower costs for farmers.
“Currently, a bag of basal fertiliser costs about US$35. Once we are fully operational and aligned with other key enablers, we believe the price could drop to around US$20, making fertiliser more affordable for the local agriculture sector,” he said.
Sabi Star Mine, a Maxi Mind Zimbabwe subsidiary, has already accumulated two months’ lithium ore inventory since the ban – and is aligning operations with the Government’s value addition and beneficiation thrust.
Its chairman, Mr Zou Bill said they will develop downstream industries, leveraging their China-based battery material production experience, and are exploring new resources to implement this strategy soon. He revealed that the company has invested US$170 million in lithium mining operations, with an annual output of one million tonnes of raw lithium ore.
Mr Zou said production capacity is phased and demand-driven, with plans to combine lithium and tantalite ore production to extend the mine’s lifespan to over five years.
“In China, we are a big producer of battery material and accessories, so in Zimbabwe, we want to continue our development, and we want to develop and set up downstream industries. Now we are doing exploration, we are also seeking to acquire new resources, and we do not think this will take us long. Once we have gained enough resources, we will start implementing that strategic direction,” he said, adding that they have undertaken various community development initiatives in Buhera.
“We have established four community gardens fitted with solar pumping systems to support irrigation activities in Tame, Bhondai, Bonde and Tumbare villages, and also gave local farmers contracts to supply vegetables to the mine,” said Mr Zou.
The mine has also drilled 30 solar-powered water wells in North Buhera Constituency, where water scarcity poses a long-lasting challenge – with 10 boreholes drilled in schools and 20 sunk in different villages.
“Water provision has helped communities with clean and safe water for domestic use. This has helped to fight the cholera scourge in Buhera District,” said Mr Zou, adding that they have rehabilitated and widened the 37km road linking the mine and Gaza Business Centre, including culverts and waterways, easing transport problems for the local community.
“Last year, the company spent US$80 000 on resurfacing the Gaza-Sabi Road. We also built the Mukubu Community Clinic, and also bought medical equipment for the clinic. We painted 12 schools to improve their ambience and outlook. We also donated used tyres, metal drums and other assortment of materials to construct ECD centres to create more fun at the school and boost school attendance,” said Mr Zou, adding that they donated sporting materials – 66 balls to 11 schools – and supports excelling learners with awards during prize giving days, and also supports nearby schools with stationery and examination materials.
Mr Zou added that they offer support for the elderly and less-privileged through grocery hampers twice per year, after consultations with Village Health Workers (VHWs) to draw up the list of beneficiaries.
“In 2024, due to the El Nino-induced drought, the mine donated 30 tonnes of maize to 600 families,” he said.
