Mutapa Energy Resources (MER) has confirmed a 39.9 million-tonne lithium resource at Sandawana Mine, with the estimate covering only 30% of the company’s 3,800-hectare mining concession, positioning the project among the country’s most significant undeveloped lithium assets.
The resource estimate was announced in Harare, on Wednesday, following the completion of a Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC)-compliant mineral resource assessment.
Speaking during the announcement, MER Chief Executive, Innocent Rukweza, said the certified resource was derived exclusively from Block A, which represents only a fraction of the company’s total mining claim.
“Block A, which has the results we are going to be sharing with you today, constitutes only 30% of the entire mining claim,” Rukweza said.
“The results which we have relate to Block A, which is 30%. The 70% constituting the majority of our claims has not yet been explored.”
Rukweza said the latest resource estimate marked a significant milestone in the development of the Sandawana project and provides a strong foundation for further exploration and mine planning.
The JORC-compliant resource estimate enhances the project’s credibility by providing an independently recognised benchmark for reporting mineral resources. Such certification is regarded as a key requirement for attracting international investment, securing project financing and advancing mine development.
With the majority of the mining concession yet to be explored, MER expects further exploration to determine the full extent of Sandawana’s lithium potential.
The latest announcement comes as Zimbabwe continues to position itself as a leading global supplier of lithium, a critical mineral used in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems and other clean energy technologies. The Government has identified lithium as one of the strategic minerals expected to drive export earnings, value addition and broader economic growth under the country’s mining development agenda.
