Bravura’s Zimbabwe Mining Ventures Gain Momentum with New Equipment and Plant Construction
Bravura Mining Consortium's operations in Zimbabwe are gaining momentum with the acquisition of platinum mining machinery and the construction of a dense media separation plant for its lithium mine. The separation plant, manufactured by Manhattan Corporation in South Africa, is ready for shipment to Zimbabwe once the necessary approvals and ongoing civil works at Kamativi are completed.
Bravura's ventures in Zimbabwe include the proposed Bravura platinum mine in Selous, the processing of old tin mining dumps at Kamativi for lithium, and the iron ore mine in Manhize. These projects are at various stages of implementation.
Exploration work at the Selous platinum mine is complete, and feasibility studies are underway ahead of actual mining. The lithium processing plant in Kamativi is expected to become operational next year following the completion of the separation plant and associated civil works. The Kamativi dump contains around 25 million tonnes of material, translating to an annual capacity of 70,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate. Historically, tin ore seams were embedded in lithium rock, which was of low value at the time and discarded.
During a recent media tour of the plant and equipment in South Africa, Manhattan chairman Chris Pouroullis confirmed the completion of the separation plant, designed based on Bravura's data and extensive test work. The plant will produce spodumene at approximately 10 tonnes per hour, with a gross annual capacity of 70,000 tonnes of saleable concentrate. The plant operates with synchronised 1.5 MVA diesel generators, providing a combined output of 5 MVA. These generators are already in Zimbabwe, awaiting deployment to Kamativi.
Pouroullis detailed the project timeline, noting that construction began 18 to 22 months ago. The design phase involved understanding the mineralogy of the Kamativi dump and performing surface surveys and earthwork designs to address challenging ground conditions. About 95% of the construction fabrication work is now complete, with remaining items, such as chemicals and reagents, to be acquired closer to the commissioning phase.
Bravura project geologist Farirai Kambanje stated that the mechanised mining machinery, including dampers, rigs, bolters, and load-haul dumps, will enable the commencement of the box cut for the platinum project. The company received a 3,000-hectare concession in Selous in 2019 and has since secured an extension.
Group general manager Gbenga Ojo emphasized the strategic decision to operate three mining projects in Zimbabwe to mitigate fluctuations in global metal prices and cost dynamics. Despite recent declines in prices for key commodities like platinum group metals, nickel, and lithium, Ojo remains optimistic about a price rebound and the long-term demand and supply dynamics.
Zimbabwe holds the world's third-largest platinum group metals resource along the mineral-rich Great Dyke, following South Africa and Russia, according to the World Platinum Investment Council.
