CATHERINE BWALYA, CLAVER MUTINTA
Choma, Lusaka
MINISTER of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Elias Mubanga says the discovery of the globally sought-after lithium in Zimba, Southern Province, should benefit the local people.
The mineral, a lightweight metal used in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, was recently discovered in Mapatizya area of Zimba leading to an influx of business people eager to make some cash for themselves as was the case with Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga.
The need for lithium has increased significantly due to the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Speaking when he featured on Voice of Kalomo radio, Mr Mubanga said his ministry is working with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to ensure that small-scale miners acquire licences to empower them so that they can benefit from lithium, which has been dubbed “white gold” for electric vehicles.
“We want our small-scale miners to acquire licences so that they participate in mining this mineral, which is on demand globally CLICK TO READ MORE