Kamativi Mining invests US$25m in solar power plant

Source: Kamativi Mining invests US$25m in solar power plant – herald

Dr Jorum Gumbo

Rutendo Nyeve recently in KAMATIVI

KAMATIVI Mining Company has invested US$25 million towards the construction of a 36-megawatt solar power farm, which is set reduce electricity costs and cut carbon emissions in line with Government’s call for the mining sector to be self-sufficient in  energy.

The project, located within the mine’s concession in Kamativi, is expected to be completed by September this year and represents one of the largest private renewable energy initiatives in the region.

The development comes as the Second Republic continues to reap fruits of its open-for-business policy, which has attracted massive investments into the mining sector, particularly in lithium extraction.

Kamativi, closed in 1994, has been resuscitated through new investments in lithium mining that have not only brought life back to Dete and surrounding areas, but also catalysed massive infrastructure developments like the solar farm.

Zimpapers visited the site on Friday and witnessed the contractor, which has since roped in 100 locals into the project, busy with works at various levels.

Truckloads of 710-watt solar panels were being offloaded while excavation works, installation of silver works, and erection of solar panels on other sections were underway.

Special Adviser to the President responsible for monitoring implementation of Government programme, Dr Jorum Gumbo, visited the mine and witnessed the development firsthand.

Dr Gumbo commended the company’s community engagement model and called for other mining firms to emulate the  initiative.

“The involvement of the community on its own is actually commendable, because the community feels the ownership of the project. And if this company’s model could be populated by other companies, then definitely the mining sector would be contributing a lot to the communities where they operate,” said Dr Gumbo.

He further suggested that provincial conferences should be established where miners showcase what they are doing for their communities and even provide certificates to recognise those performing well in community development.

“In general, we’ve been very impressed with what we have seen here at Kamativi Mining Company,” he said.