KEY POINTS
- Marula Mining exits Zimbabwe, refocusing on high-grade critical metals projects in East and Southern Africa.
- Plans include expanding lithium and copper operations in Tanzania, South Africa, and Kenya.
- Richard Hawken joins as a consultant to strengthen metals trading and strategic partnerships, including a lithium plant joint venture.
Marula Mining has withdrawn from its planned exploration and acquisition activities in Zimbabwe, as identified by Mining Weekly.
Issues like pinpointing projects that meet its internal benchmarks for grade, cost, and development timelines culminated in Marula’s withdrawal.
Marula refocuses on advanced mining opportunities
The company announced the move on Friday as part of a broader strategy to focus on advanced mining operations in East and Southern Africa.
It specialises in battery metals investment and exploration and has been pursuing near-term lithium and copper opportunities through its Zimbabwean subsidiary, Muchai Mining, since mid-2023.
Despite Zimbabwe’s resource potential, Marula was unable to secure projects aligning with its criteria.
Shifting focus to key African projects
Marula Mining will now concentrate on higher-grade opportunities in Tanzania, South Africa and Kenya.
At Kinusi Copper Mine in Tanzania, initial copper sales are slated for December 31, supported by a geological estimate of 10 to 15 million tonnes of high-grade copper and base metals.
At Blesberg Lithium Mine in South Africa, the site will serve as the company’s main lithium mining operation.
Marula is in talks with a Chinese battery manufacturer to establish a joint venture for a lithium acid leaching plant at the mine.
The company is advancing due diligence on two lithium brine projects in South Africa and Botswana, which could strengthen its position as a producer of high-value lithium products.
Additionally, Marula is reviewing technical opportunities for copper mining and processing in Kenya, as part of its East African expansion.
Experienced consultant joins sales strategy
To support its new focus, Marula has appointed Richard Hawken as its metals trading and commodity sales consultant.
Hawken, with over 15 years of experience in African commodity markets, will oversee sales agreements and assist in negotiations for the lithium plant joint venture.
“I am thrilled to join Marula during such an exciting phase,” Hawken said. “The company’s critical metals portfolio has strong potential to supply global markets with high-value products.”
CEO Jason Brewer emphasized the strategic value of Hawken’s expertise. “Richard’s experience in trading and offtake agreements will strengthen our operations and global market positioning,” he said.
Exit marks strategic realignment
Marula’s withdrawal from Zimbabwe reflects a deliberate shift to focus on advanced, high-return opportunities.
The decision is expected to optimize resources and reinforce the company’s commitment to meeting the growing global demand for battery and critical metals.
Marula Mining remains committed to expanding its African footprint while delivering on its promise of producing high-value products for the international market.
