News|MiningZimbabwe imposes ban on exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrateThe immediate ban covers all raw minerals already in transit and will remain in place until further notice, the government says.
Zimbabwe has enacted an immediate suspension on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates. This measure includes minerals already in transit, as announced by Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe has enacted an immediate suspension on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates. This measure includes minerals already in transit, as announced by Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, on Wednesday.
The government has called for cooperation from the mining industry, emphasizing the national interest behind this suspension. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, promote in-country value addition, and ensure compliance and accountability in mineral exports.
Initially scheduled for January 2027, the export ban on lithium concentrates has been advanced to address concerns over export malpractices. In a letter addressed to Zimbabwe's Chamber of Mines, the ministry highlighted the need to realign export processes to curb leakages and improve system efficiency.
Zimbabwe, which holds Africa's largest lithium reserves, reported an export of 1.128 million metric tonnes of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate in 2025, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. Most of this concentrate is exported to China for processing into battery-grade materials. However, Zimbabwe seeks to increase local processing to derive greater benefits from the global transition to clean energy sources.
Zimbabwe has enacted an immediate suspension on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates.
Globally, securing access to rare earths and other strategic minerals remains a priority due to their essential roles in various technologies, including smartphones and green energy systems. As a result, many producing nations are tightening supply chain controls.
Zimbabwe plans to engage with the industry to discuss new expectations and future strategies. Mining is a significant sector in Zimbabwe, contributing 14.3% to the country's GDP, following manufacturing, as per World Bank data.
Recent years have seen substantial investments in Zimbabwe's spodumene production, led by Chinese firms such as Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine, Chengxin Lithium Group, and Yahua. Notably, Huayou constructed a $400 million plant to process lithium concentrates into lithium sulphate, while Sinomine announced plans for a $500 million lithium sulphate plant at its Bikita mine.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
