This article discusses the expansion of the Chinese state-owned Sinomine Resource Group into Southern Africa’s critical minerals sector — particularly in lithium, copper, and platinum. Sinomine’s significant investment includes a US$500 million lithium refinery project in Zimbabwe over the next three to five years, reflecting global demand for battery materials. The company also acquired the Tsumeb smelter in Namibia, enhancing its regional processing capacity. These moves underscore the strategic importance of downstream operations in global value chains and how foreign firms integrate refining and processing to capture more value. The article also highlights leadership appointments that strengthen operational expertise and reflects broader trends of vertical integration in critical minerals supply.