Wesley Murove
In a significant development for community relations and operational performance,
Sandawana Mines General Manager Godwin Gambiza announced improvements in
interactions between local communities and Chinese nationals employed at the
lithium mining site during a stakeholders meeting held last
week.
This positive change follows the introduction of a cultural exchange programme launched
earlier this year. Gambiza emphasized the success of the inaugural Culture Exchange Day,
held on March 27, 2025, citing it as a pivotal moment for local and foreign relations.
“Relations between locals, including low-level employees, villagers, chiefs, and Chinese
nationals, have been on a positive trajectory since the culture programme was initiated,” he stated, underscoring the event’s role in fostering understanding and collaboration. The cultural initiative responds to previous reports of tensions,” Gambiza noted.
This followed adverse reports, prompting the launch of the Culture Day to keep such violations in check.
Consequently, we are reaping the fruits of timely interventions, as the mine has not recorded a single grievance case since the launch.
Looking ahead, Gambiza announced that the Culture Exchange Day would become an
annual event, expanding its scope to incorporate wellness and sporting programmes.
The event will be a regular feature of our annual social responsibility activities,
and will grow bigger and better.
On the operational front, Gambiza reported near budget production levels despite the use
of a third-party processing facility not originally designed for Sandawana ore.
“As of October 2025, Spodumene concentrate production reached 88,000 metric tons, slightly below the budgeted 91,000 metric tons, marking strong operational
efficiencies.”
All key efficiencies, such as the concentrate grade, lithium recovery, and yield, have been trending above budget.”
He attributed this performance to the quality of the lithium deposit at Sandawana, describing it as arguably the finest in Zimbabwe.
“This high performance across all key indicators has been achieved through a third-partyowned plant that was not even designed with Sandawana ore in
mind.”
In terms of corporate social responsibility, the company has invested approximately
$475,000 in community development projects throughout 2025.
Gambiza highlighted a major initiative involving the upgrade of a 60-kilometre gravel road
that connects the mine to the main Beitbridge highway.
The road works have been underway for the past three months, with close to $400,000
spent to date, and the completion is at 75 percent.
Other ongoing community initiatives include drilling three solar-powered boreholes, every
100 meters deep, renovating a storm-damaged classroom block at Chebvute Secondary School, and supporting local road maintenance through the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority (RIDA).
As Sandawana Mines continues to enhance its operations and community relations, the
commitment to responsible mining practices and local development remains a priority,
paving the way for future success and collaboration.
