Sinomine Requests Extension to Implement Lithium-Cesium Refinery in Zimbabwe

Following a ban on exports of #lithium concentrates as from 2027, lithium miners in Zimbabwe are encouraged to add more value and move up the lithium value chain locally. In that respect, Prospect Lithium, owned by Zhejiang Huayou, has taken the lead by building a lithium sulfate plant at its mining site in Arcadia and has even successfully shipped its first consignment of lithium sulfate in April 2026.

However, other lithium miners, such as Sinomine, are in negotiations with the Government and have requested more time to implement the refinery. The Bikita mine has huge amounts of petalite tailings that contain lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT). Other than lithium, it is worth highlighting that Bikita is only one of a handful of mines around the world that produce #cesium. Thus, the strategic value of Bikita mine goes well beyond lithium, as one gram of cesium can cost nearly USD 100.

Sinomine has announced plans to invest up to USD 500 million to implement a refinery in Bikita. However, the Chinese company seems to be dragging its feet and has repeatedly asked for a time extension. VP Constantino Chiwenga visited the Bikita mine in March 2026 and stressed the Government’s position and objective to realize more local value addition (#LVA).

In June 2026, the Sinomine Chair WANG Pingwei even personally traveled to Zimbabwe to meet with President Mnangagwa to continue the negotiations. As a next step, Zimbabwe is planning to send a high-level delegation to China to pursue the discussions.