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Writes Elvis Dumba
Buhera – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called upon mining companies to upscale the setting up of the Mapinga Mine to Energy Park for the production of solar batteries and lithium products.
President Mnangagwa made these remarks when he officially commissioned Sabi Star Lithium Plant in Buhera on Thursday.
” The mining sector is on track to achieving the 12 billion target by year-end. As you may recall, I was here for the breaking ceremony of the plant being commissioned here today. Well done to you for completing the construction in just 8 months. This project is in line with our call for value addition. This reduces exports of unprocessed minerals and positions us as a key player in lithium. It will have positive spin-over effects on the surrounding community,” President Mnangagwa said.
The project stands to benefit the Buhera community from employment and better living standards as well as infrastructure and enhancement of services in the area.
President Mnangagwa commended international investors for putting their trust in investing in the country.
“Efforts by various stakeholders resulting in the successful completion of this project are commendable. I express my gratitude to our international partners for their faith in us as a conducive business environment. This illustrates what can be achieved if we are working together. Policies that attract investors shall continue to be maintained. We are determined to ensure global capital is safe in our country,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said his government will continue to modernise the mining sector whose benefits can cascade to the education sector. He urged mining players to review their mining frameworks in line with upcoming trends in the mining sector including automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence among others.
“The sector should graduate to battery manufacturing. I urge mining houses to speed up construction of the mine to energy park in Mapinga which will produce various lithium and solar products,” he said.