Emmerson Njanjamangezi, Group Features Editor 
SABI Star Mine (Sabi), a lithium-producing entity wholly-owned by Chengxin Lithium, says it is finishing work on its processing plant in Buhera North, with production set to commence next month.
Sabi has been mining and stockpiling raw lithium. The mine sits on 3 832 hectares and the resource is mined via an open pit and the lithium is recovered using the floatation method.
In a statement this week, Max Mind Investment, which operates the mine, said the focus is now on securing power to run the plant.
“At full operational capacity, the mine is expected to produce a million tonnes of raw ore translating to 300 000 tonnes of lithium concentrate per annum. Currently, the project is preparing for the commissioning of the plant albeit in phases, starting with the crushing section. We are also setting up a mini power plant to cater to our energy requirements. Apart from that we are looking to enter into exclusive power supply contracts with the national power utility, Zesa.”
The company also made a pledge to employ from the local community.
Max Mind Investments said through the support of the government and the local community, the company embarked on several programmes, which paved way for the implementation of the project.
The mine is situated in an area previously occupied by rural settlers and its activities affected at least 40 families in the Tagarira and Mukwasi villages.
“The families were properly engaged from the start of exploration so that they were aware of what was taking place in their area. Meetings with the district administrator, traditional leadership and government departments were done to brief them on the mine’s intentions. During the engagements, the affected families voluntarily chose where they wanted to settle. At least 22 families opted to be resettled at Murambinda township, 17 families opted to be resettled locally at Tagarira and Mukwasi villages and one family opted to go to their ancestral land in Mberengwa,” further read the statement.
Furthermore, Max Mind said the company had to build 22 modest 3-bedroom urban houses in Murambinda township with water, power and sanitation facilities.
“The same type of houses, with the addition of a round hut, were also built for those who opted to be relocated to the nearby villages and the one in Mberengwa.
“The company also compensated for the water wells and trees of the affected families. On top of the houses the company gave the relocated families a token of US$2 000. The mine spent around US$2,2 million on the relocation programme,” the statement read further.
Max Mind also upgraded the 30km access road from Gaza Business Centre to the mine and other roads in the community at a cost of US$1,3 million. It also built a clinic at the Mukubu Business Centre. In addition, at least nine schools in the community received paint and accessories and the painting was done by volunteers from the local community.
To compensate for the loss of water sources, the mine drilled 18 boreholes in the community equipped with solar pumps, 10 boreholes were drilled at schools and eight were drilled at strategic places in the surrounding villages in consultation with the local leadership.
The company also made a pledge to employ from the local community.
