White gold

China dominates scramble for Zimbabwe’s lithium

By Farai Shawn Matiashe

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Posted on February 27, 2023 15:55

© FILE PHOTO: Zimbabwe Mines Minister Winston Chitando speaks to Reuters at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2023 conference in Cape Town, South Africa, February 8, 2023. REUTERS — FILE PHOTO: Zimbabwe Mines Minister Winston Chitando speaks to Reuters at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2023 conference in Cape Town, South Africa, February 8, 2023. REUTERS

China and other eastern nations that enjoy cordial relations with Zimbabwe are rushing for lithium as the President Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government is hoping to make the most of the rising global demand for the white gold.

As the global economy goes green, rechargeable batteries are key to this transition. Lithium, a soft and silvery mineral, is an essential component in battery making due to its high electoral component.

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