Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

This project aims at developing an alternative and effective surfactant for the recovery of lithium from its ores. The objective is to provide a cost effective, environmentally friendly method for recovering lithium for facile beneficiation.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

There has not been much research on new and effective lithium flotation reagents that are environmentally friendly and cost effective and there has also been a great demand of lithium in the 21st century. Hence, new insights towards these goals are possible through insertion of new functional groups, molecular modelling of reagents that are more environmentally friendly, altering the structure of known chelating agents, and synthesising novel green chemicals from renewable resources. Hence a critical gap is the formulation of this new and cost-effective floatation agent that can improve the process and ensure environmental sustainability. Also, the statutory Instruments 5 of 2023 states that, “Without the Minister’s previous writing approval, no unbeneficiated base mineral ores may be exported from Zimbabwe to another country”. In this regard there is need for the development of novel chemicals that can be used for the beneficiation of these mineral ores.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

There are serious environmental risks associated with using some surfactants in lithium processing. Increased levels of these surfactants cause harm to nature and living organisms. Hence, there is need to develop environmental sustainable alternatives. A lot of research has been done on flotation in terms of collectors and these include sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX), monorhamnolipid, biosurfactant (such as tea saponin), and other commercial surfactants. The main focus in these works has been to improve the cost dynamics and performance in the recovery of precious minerals, however, there has not been much progress over the years. This project aims at developing an alternative and effective surfactant for the recovery of lithium from its ores. The objective is to provide a cost effective, environmentally friendly method for recovering lithium for facile beneficiation of the Zimbabwean lithium ore.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

This product is a cost-effective flotation reagent that can be used in the recovery of lithium in flotation. It reduces the environmental impact of lithium mining through more efficient processing and serves the broader goal of sustainable mining practices. It also enhances the lithium flotation process. To the communities near mining sites: Improved beneficiation processes can also benefit local communities by potentially reducing the ecological footprint of mining activities and ensuring that they receive a fair share of the economic benefits, as seen with initiatives to ring-fence funds for community development. Some of the major beneficiaries are the Electric Vehicle and Technology Manufacturers: These industries rely on high-quality lithium for their products. An efficient beneficiation process can provide them with a more consistent and reliable source of lithium. It will improve the supply chain and quality of lithium produced for the Global Lithium Market.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The impact of my project is complex, encompassing not only the beneficiation agent's direct users but also broader economic, environmental, and social objectives. The design of this agent is aimed at serving several key stakeholders and beneficiaries: 1. Mining Companies: These are the primary beneficiaries as they will directly use the beneficiation agent to extract lithium more efficiently. This can lead to increased productivity and profitability for mining operations. 2. Local Governments and Economies: By enhancing the lithium extraction process, the project contributes to the economic growth of regions where lithium mining is a significant industry e.g, in Zimbabwe, the government is focusing on lithium mining and beneficiation to boost the economy. 3. End Consumers: Ultimately, the project benefits consumers who use products powered by lithium batteries, offering them better performance and contributing to the transition towards clean energy. 4. Motor Industry.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-03-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

N/A

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.facebook.com/wisdom.chawinga.9, www.linkedin.com/in/wisdom-chawinga-ba1109197

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Economic Growth: By improving the efficiency of lithium mining, the project can boost the profitability of the industry, which can lead to economic growth and job creation in mining communities. Community Development: Increased revenues from more efficient mining processes can be invested in local community development, potentially improving living standards and reducing poverty. Skill Development: It might also involve training and skill development for local workers, which can enhance their employability and income levels.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

This project can indirectly contribute to the Zero Hunger. Here’s how: Economic Development: By increasing the efficiency and profitability of lithium mining, it can stimulate economic development in mining areas. This economic boost can help improve food security by increasing the purchasing power of local communities. Employment Opportunities: The project can create jobs both directly in the mining industry and indirectly in related sectors. Employment is a key factor in reducing hunger and poverty. Community Investments: Profits from more efficient mining operations can be invested in community infrastructure, including agriculture, which can enhance food production and distribution systems. Technological Advancements: The lithium produced can be used in technologies that support sustainable agriculture, such as renewable energy solutions for irrigation systems, which can improve crop yields and contribute to food security.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

It contributes to good health and well-being in several ways: Occupational Health: By improving the safety and efficiency of lithium mining processes, it can reduce the health risks associated with mining, such as exposure to toxic substances. Environmental Health: It reduces the environmental impact of lithium mining, it can contribute to the well-being of communities by preventing soil and water contamination, which can have direct health implications. Economic Health: An efficient mining industry can improve the economic health of a region, providing resources for healthcare services and infrastructure.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

It contributes to quality education indirectly. This is how: 1. As more lithium is efficiently beneficiated, there would be increased revenue collection which would be channelled towards building schools and infrastructure for good and Quality education. 2. Also this will create employment which means affordability to provide quality education.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

It will achieve gender equality and and empower everyone. As this projects not only specialises on one particular gender buh on the livelihoods of everyone. Employment created by the project will be for everyone. It will also empower women smallholders by promoting gender equality in supply chains. Policies that support women's programs will be implemented. It will also strengthen community oversight and integrate human rights standards into national laws. It will invest in care work by recognizing the essential unpaid and underpaid care work primarily carried out by women.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

It contributes to this sdg goal indirectly through several mechanisms: 1. Reduction of water intensive processes when extracting the lithium from its ores

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The main use of the beneficiation agent is to makesure lithium is beneficiated efficiently and thus this contributes to clean and affordable energy as the lithium produced would be used for lithium batteries which are used in automobiles and solar systems to provide clean and affordable energy. More lithium beneficiation means more batteries and other gadgets which use lithium as their source of energy will be produced.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

It contributes to this goal in that: 1. Creation of Jobs: it will create employment in the mining, processing and the research sectors. As the lithium industry grows, it will require skilled workers, technicians, engineers and scientists. 2. Innovation and entrepreneurship: by advancing beneficiation techniques,innovation and entrepreneurship would be encouraged. 3. Formalization of Enterprises: Formalizing enterprises will lead to economic growth and development. Also market integration will enhance their viability and contribute to economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Considering it's a novel product, it will contribute to the industry immensely by that it can be used for other uses in the industry other than the mining industry promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation . For example it can be used for cleaning steel and metal surfaces. It is a low cost product also hence more profit will be generated which will be channelled towards infrastructural development. More revenue means more resilient infrastructure will be built.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Considering it's a low cost product, it will be affordable for the developing countries and even developed countries. It can also be use by the low scale mining industry due to that it's affordable for everyone. It can be use by whichever country hence it reduces inequality within and among countries

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Considering the product doesn't harm the environment and it's surroundings, it will make the cities safe and sustainable. Chemicals used for the production do no harm the harm water sources and the environment.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The beneficiation agent will not harm the environment during the production phase and its raw materials are environmentally friendly. The waste produced after the production of the beneficiation agent can be reused in the cleaning of steel and metal surfaces and this ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns through circular economy.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The production of the agent does not change any weather patterns and no hazardous gases are emitted during the production of the beneficiation agent. This combats climate change and its impact. It also ensures safe mining practices which do not cause climate change and its impact. The processing of the lithium ore using this agent is safe and does not harm the environment.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

It has no negative effects on the oceans , seas and marine resources during its production and after its disposal. It does not impede survival of marine organisms which are helpful in the environmental cycle. It does not destroy the life below water and thus conserves the environment making it more sustainable.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

It has no negative effects on the life on land in that: it does not harm micro organisms and macro organisms found on land that help in sustaining the environment. There is also no biodiversity loss as no living organisms are lost during the production and after the production of the beneficiation agent.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

It promotes peace and inclusivity to a lesser extent as this is not the main focus of the project

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Profits made by the project can increase revenue which can be channelled towards implementation and revitalization of the global partnership for sustainable development.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

2

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

This is a novel product and its good beneficiation agent as the recovery rate of lithium from its ores was good after the tests that were made. It had 88% recovery which is very good. It's also an improvement to the conventional products that is currently used. This product is cheaper as compared to the conventional compound that is being used in the market. It provides a good recovery rate which satisfies the demand that has not been meet by the conventional agent.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

My main competitors are the producers of the conventional agent that is being used for the beneficiation processes. However my product stands out from them as it is a low cost product and it is also environmentally friendly and does not have negative effects on the living organisms and non living organisms.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

No