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Article

10 Mar 2023

Auteur:
Report Focus News

Zimbabwe: Calls for greater regulation of foreign investors to protect local interests continue to grow given the strategic value of lithium in the clean energy market

‘Zimbabwe urged to update mining laws amid concerns over foreign investment’ 2 March 2023

Zimbabwe has the potential to become a leading global producer of lithium, a mineral that is essential to the growing electric vehicle industry. However, the recent sale of a lithium mine in Zimbabwe to a Chinese company has sparked concerns about national and local benefits. Many are calling for greater regulation of foreign investors to ensure business obligations are met and local interests are protected. In early 2022, Zhejiang Huayou, a Chinese company, acquired controlling rights to Zimbabwe’s Arcadia mine for US$422 million. This deal has attracted significant media attention and mixed public sentiment. While some view the acquisition as a beacon of progress for Zimbabwe’s economy and a catalyst for jobs and tax revenues, others are more skeptical about the government’s lack of foresight in securing a stake in the mine, given the strategic value of lithium for the auto industry’s burgeoning clean energy market.

… Zimbabwe’s outdated mining law, passed in 1961, is inadequate in regulating the mining of lithium, a commodity that is touted as the next century’s game-changer. The Mines and Minerals Act, which gives the President control over all mineral resources, needs to be updated to ensure beneficial ownership and control. Additionally, local companies face onerous legal requirements to acquire certain mining concessions, which are skewed towards monopoly capital… Furthermore, it is important for the government to negotiate fair deals with foreign investors that will result in a meaningful transfer of technology, skills, and knowledge to local communities. This can be achieved through strategic partnerships with reputable foreign investors that have a track record of responsible corporate behaviour.

Moreover, it is crucial for the government to engage local communities and stakeholders in the mining process to ensure that their concerns and interests are taken into account. This can be done through transparent and inclusive consultation processes that involve local communities and civil society organizations. Overall, the sale of the Arcadia mine should serve as a wake-up call for the Zimbabwean government to update its mining laws and regulations to protect local interests and ensure that foreign investors meet their business obligations. With the right policies and regulations in place, Zimbabwe can harness the potential of its lithium resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to the global transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.