An unnamed Chinese enterprise is to begin surveying heavy sands in Mozambique’s Zambézia province, according to multiple media reports.
Surveying will take place at a 532-hectare site near the village of Nicadine in the coastal Pebane district and the project is expected to cost US$15 million.
Heavy sands are minerals used in paints, plastics and ceramics. According to estimates, the site could yield one million tons of ilmenite and 324 tons of zircon.
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China is one of the main export destinations for heavy sands from Mozambique, with Chinese companies holding several mining concessions in the Portuguese-speaking country.
In April, the Mozambican government authorised the construction of a new port at Chongoene for the transport of heavy sands to China.
The venture will be built and operated under a concession agreement by China’s Desheng Port company and the Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique.
