Gwanda Lithium Zimbabwe has officially reached full production capacity, projecting an output of 170,000 tonnes of lithium spodumene concentrate by October 2025. The achievement follows a US$54 million investment into the company’s modern lithium processing plant, a development that strengthens Zimbabwe’s position in the global battery minerals market.
The milestone was announced during a high-level visit by the Vice President of Zimbabwe, who toured the facility to assess its economic contribution and operational progress. The visit underscored the government’s growing interest in lithium beneficiation as part of its broader industrialisation agenda.
Public Relations Manager Nixon Kutsaranga expressed appreciation for the executive oversight. “We feel honoured that the Vice President, who oversees the economic cluster in Cabinet, took time to visit this remote part of Matabeleland South to assess our production levels,” he said.
Kutsaranga outlined the project’s rapid development timeline, which began in December 2022 after the Government of Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding with the plant’s parent company, Dinson Group. Construction ran from January to December 2023, during which the company also conducted exploration, underground mine development, and opencast mining activities.
The processing plant entered its trial phase in early 2024. “From January to May 2024, our lithium processing plant had been completed and was undergoing trial runs to ensure a smooth transition into full production,” Kutsaranga said. “From June 2024 to date, we have been in full production.”
According to the company, the first full production cycle has already produced promising results. Between October 2024 and October 2025, Gwanda Lithium is expected to process approximately 500,000 tonnes of lithium ore, yielding about 170,000 tonnes of high-grade concentrate.
Operations Manager Wilfred Motsi highlighted the significance of the capital injection. “This project represents a US$54 million investment for the construction of the lithium processing plant and other auxiliary components,” he said.
The facility is designed to process one million tonnes of ore per year at full capacity, with a production target of 200,000 tonnes of concentrate annually. While the plant is currently producing at a concentrate level, management confirmed plans to move further up the value chain in line with national beneficiation policies.
Kutsaranga reaffirmed the company’s commitment to value addition. “In compliance with the government’s beneficiation policy effective January 2026, we are preparing to transition into battery-grade lithium production, including sulphates and carbonates.”
Motsi added that these plans will be pursued in partnership with strategic players. “We intend to expand our processing capabilities from concentrate to sulphates and carbonates to ensure the country derives greater value. This will support higher export earnings and contribute meaningfully toward Vision 2030,” he said.
Gwanda Lithium currently processes spodumene ore averaging a 7% grade, sourced from a nearby partner mine under existing supply agreements. The company forms part of the Dinson Group, a major investor in Zimbabwe’s mining, steel, and industrial sectors.