Maamba Collieries granted licenses for lithium exploration in Southern Province

Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL) has been issued two large-scale exploration licenses for lithium and other minerals in Southern Province.

ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH), which holds a 35 percent shareholding in MCL, announced the development in a statement.

The licenses cover exploration for lithium, amethyst, aquamarine, tantalum and tin.

ZCCM-IH Corporate Affairs Manager, Loisa Mbatha, stated that MCL intended to commence exploration as soon as possible to ascertain the presence of these minerals in the licensed areas.

The licenses are valid for a period of four years, during which MCL plans to carry out detailed exploration to determine the presence of mineable resources.

If applicable, the company would proceed to determine the quantum of resources and reserves.

The two licensed areas are located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of MCL’s coal mine in Maamba.

Mbatha highlighted that the granting of these licenses aligns with the strategy to diversify the firm’s mineral base.

“Lithium is part of the critical battery metals that ZCCM-IH has planned to explore for in its 2020-2026 strategic plan. As such, the granting of the two licenses to its investee company contributes to the strategy to diversify the company’s mineral commodity base,” she said.

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