Pan-African billionaire Benedict Peters’ Bravura begins shipping Kamativi lithium plant components

Omokolade Ajayi -

Key Points

  • Bravura Holdings starts shipping components for Kamativi lithium plant; the delivery aligns with ongoing civil works at the site.
  • Peters’ upgraded lithium facility in Zimbabwe signifies a major leap in the mining sector and local beneficiation efforts.
  • Kamativi dump holds 25 million tonnes of material; installation and commissioning of the plant are underway, managed by local and international teams.

Bravura Holdings, a mining company owned by pan-African billionaire Benedict Peters, has commenced the shipment of components for its Kamativi lithium processing plant. The shipment, arriving from South Africa’s Manhattan Corporation, aligns with ongoing civil works for the plant’s foundation and ancillary structures.

The move follows the completion of Zimbabwe’s premier world-class lithium upgrade facility, announced by Peters at the Victoria Falls Annual Mining Indaba in May. This facility marks a significant advancement in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, reflecting a high-level beneficiation initiative within the country.

Tafadzwa Murinzi, head of Bravura’s Kamativi Dump Processing Project, confirmed that the shipment of plant components will proceed until all parts are delivered. “We are in the process of relocating the plant into Zimbabwe. This will continue until every component is on-site. After completing the civil works and structural elements, we will proceed with installation and commissioning, leading to the start of production,” Murinzi stated.

Kamativi dump estimated at 25 million tonnes

The Kamativi dump is estimated to hold about 25 million tonnes of material, with an annual capacity of 70,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate. As of now, 10 containers have reached the Kamativi Lithium dump site. The installation will be managed by the plant’s design and manufacturing company, in collaboration with Bravura’s local engineering team for skills transfer in management and maintenance.

Zimbabwe, Africa’s leading lithium producer and sixth globally, is poised for economic growth driven by lithium’s role in electric vehicle battery production. Mining remains a crucial sector in Zimbabwe, contributing over 75 percent of total shipments and around 15 percent of the GDP, while providing numerous jobs.

Benedict Peters expands mining interests in Africa

Expanding beyond his oil investments, Benedict Peters is advancing his presence in the African mining industry through Bravura Holdings. With mining projects across Africa, including gold, copper, lithium, and steel assets in countries such as Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, and South Africa, Peters is building a significant mining empire.

The Kamativi lithium processing plant is among several lithium projects currently being developed in Zimbabwe, which includes operational facilities like Acardia near Harare, Bikita Minerals in Masvingo, and Sabi Star in Buhera.