President of Zimbabwe unveils Chinese-funded lithium mine upgrade project

Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa unveiled on the 17th the upgrading and reconstruction project of Bikita Mine, the country's largest lithium mine
.

The Chinese company China Mining Resources acquired Bikita Mine in January this year, and plans to invest US$200 million to renovate existing facilities and build new processing lines to improve production efficiency and create more employment opportunities for local communities
.

Mnangagwa said at the opening ceremony that the Zimbabwean government cherishes the willingness of Chinese enterprises to invest in Zimbabwe
.
In recent years, many Chinese companies have invested in Zimbabwe's infrastructure, mining, agriculture, communications and other fields, achieving a "win-win" for investors and local communities
.
He welcomed more Chinese investors to invest in Zimbabwe
.

Mnangagwa said he hopes that through investment from China and other international capitals, Zimbabwe can fully develop lithium resources and help the country achieve the goal of "mining output value of US$12 billion in 2023"
.
He also hoped that investors would help Zimbabwe improve the level of manufacturing development, create more industrial added value, and contribute more to the development of global green energy
.

The Bikita mine is located in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, about 320 kilometers from the capital Harare
.
The mine has been controlled by Western mining companies for many years and is on the verge of bankruptcy due to poor management
.
According to the person in charge of China Mining Resources, after the completion of the upgrade project, the annual output value of Bikita Mine is expected to reach 600 million US dollars, and more than 1,000 jobs will be created for the local community
.