Xinfeng expands Uis, Omaruru projects
Chinese mining company Xinfeng Investment (Pty) Limited has completed construction of a lithium processing plant in Namibia, according to Chinese ambassador Zhao Weiping.Ambassador Zhao announced the completion during a recent media briefing, noting that the plant, located in Namibia, is expected to commence production later this year. Construction of the facility began in November 2023, initially targeting a launch in the first quarter of 2024.
While specifics regarding the plant's capacity and exact opening date were not disclosed, Zhao acknowledged that the project incurred costs amounting to hundreds of millions of Namibian dollars.
"I don’t have the details of the capacity of the plant, but I think the construction of this plant must have cost hundreds of millions of Namibian dollars," the ambassador said.
According to Zhao, Xinfeng's construction of the plant reflects its commitment to adhere to new regulations requiring companies to process minerals locally rather than exporting raw materials.
Big investments
In June last year, Namibia's Cabinet imposed a ban on exporting crushed lithium ore, cobalt, manganese, graphite, and rare earth elements, following public concerns over recent lithium exports.
Xinfeng Investment Limited holds a lithium mining license (ML 243), issued on 6 September 2022. Mining commissioner Isabella Chirchir acknowledged awareness of the plant but could not confirm its completion.
"I am aware that the plant is there. I haven’t been there, so I can’t confirm. I know that some colleagues of ours were there, but whether it is complete or not, I need to go there and verify," she said.
When approached for comment on the plant's status, Xinfeng Investments spokesperson Hardin Fredericks underscored the company's substantial investments in Namibia's mining sector, totalling over N$600 million since 2022.
Fredericks highlighted Xinfeng's creation of 160 permanent jobs and 300 temporary jobs at its Uis and Omaruru mines, emphasising the company's alignment with Namibia's economic goals.
"Our investment to date is significant, and we are working towards the operationalisation of the processing plant," Fredericks said. "The technology is expected to be top-of-the range, ensuring efficient processing with minimal water usage, meeting environmental standards."
Demand
Full operationalisation of the plant is anticipated by the end of 2024, Fredericks added, noting that the facility employs dense medium technology to enhance processing efficiency and sustainability.
China ranks among the world's top three lithium producers and is a leading consumer, driven by its expanding electric vehicle industry.
The surge in lithium demand globally, primarily for electric car batteries, has prompted projections from commodities trader Trafigura indicating a significant rise in Africa's lithium production to approximately 497 000 tonnes by 2030.
Fredericks highlighted Xinfeng's efforts to establish a local value chain, support ecosystem and contribute to Namibia's economy through taxes and duties. The company collaborates with local entrepreneurs and prioritises corporate social responsibility initiatives in operational communities.
Xinfeng operates in partnership with Longfire Investment, a Namibian entity, under a joint venture agreement, emphasising its commitment to sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy.