In the arid regions of eastern Zimbabwe, a cloud of red dust engulfs the landscape as a procession of trucks laden with lithium, often referred to as “white gold,” rumbles through. For local residents like Wonder Mushove, who have endured the hardships of recurrent droughts, the burgeoning lithium mining industry holds the promise of a brighter future, and optimism abounds.
Zimbabwe boasts the largest lithium reserves in Africa, a lightweight metal prized for its energy storage capabilities and essential in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. To tap into this valuable resource, Chinese companies have poured substantial investments into Zimbabwe, presenting the Southern African nation with an opportunity for economic growth.
Historically, Zimbabwe struggled to translate its abundant diamond and gold resources into revenue for national development. However, this time around, the country is determined to go a step further. Zimbabwe aims to transform its lithium reserves into battery-grade metals, positioning itself within the EV supply chain.
In a series of articles delving into the supply chains supporting clean energy technologies, Andrew Mambondiyani provides insights from eastern Zimbabwe, shedding light on the nation’s ambitions within its rapidly expanding lithium industry.
