Bikita’s US$35M Cesium Unveiled

Sinomine Bikita Minerals has launched a groundbreaking US$35 million cesium flotation plant in Bikita, Masvingo Province, marking a historic milestone as the first facility of its kind in Zimbabwe.

This innovative plant extracts cesium from petalite tailings without requiring new mining operations, aligning with Zimbabwe’s ambitious value addition agenda and positioning the nation as a key player in the global high-tech mineral supply chain.

A Game-Changer in Cesium Production

The newly operational plant leverages advanced flotation technology to process petalite tailings—byproducts of existing lithium mining—into pollucite, a cesium-rich mineral.

Cesium, a rare and highly sought-after metal, is critical for cutting-edge applications, including spacecraft components, medical imaging, atomic clocks, and oil drilling fluids.

This pioneering approach not only maximizes resource efficiency but also sets a new standard for sustainable mining practices in Africa.

“This is a testament to our commitment to value addition and beneficiation,” said Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando during the plant’s unveiling.

“Zimbabwe is transitioning from a raw mineral exporter to a hub of processed, high-value products.”

Strategic Investment and Economic Impact

Sinomine’s US$35 million investment is part of a broader strategy to enhance Zimbabwe’s mineral sector.

The company, which acquired Bikita Minerals in 2022, has already poured significant resources into the region, including the construction of worker clinics, improved housing facilities, and road upgrades.

 Sinomine plans to develop a US$400 million lithium smelter, a move expected to further boost industrial capacity and create thousands of jobs.

The expansion has been warmly received by local communities in Bikita.

Traditional leaders and residents expressed optimism, citing the potential for increased employment and shared economic benefits.

“This project brings hope to our people,” said Chief Bikita, highlighting the creation of hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in mining, logistics, and support services.

Zimbabwe’s Rising Role in Global Tech

Zimbabwe’s lithium-rich Bikita mine, one of Africa’s largest, holds approximately 11 million metric tons of lithium reserves.

The addition of cesium production diversifies the country’s mineral portfolio, reducing reliance on traditional exports like gold and platinum.

With global demand for critical minerals surging—driven by the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors, Zimbabwe is poised to capture a significant share of the market.

Sinomine’s cesium plant complements its existing US$300 million lithium processing infrastructure at Bikita, which produces 300,000 metric tons of spodumene concentrate and 480,000 tons of petalite annually.

This dual focus on lithium and cesium underscores Zimbabwe’s strategic partnership with China, a leader in battery and high-tech manufacturing.