Zimbabwe Imposes Ban on Exports of All Raw Minerals and Lithium Concentrate

Zimbabwe Imposes Immediate Export Ban on Raw Minerals and Lithium Concentrates

The government of Zimbabwe has issued an immediate ban on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, effective immediately. The decision applies to all minerals currently in transit and will remain in place until further notice.

According to a statement released by Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura, the government expects cooperation from the mining industry in implementing this measure. The ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring transparency, value addition, and accountability in the exportation of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources.

The ban on lithium concentrates was originally scheduled to take effect in January 2027, with the goal of encouraging local processing and refining of the mineral. However, concerns about “continued malpractices during the exportation of minerals” led to a review of the export processes.

Zimbabwe is one of the largest producers of lithium reserves in Africa, exporting over 1.128 million metric tonnes of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate in 2025. The majority of this concentrate is exported to China for further processing into battery-grade materials.

The government has announced plans to engage with the mining industry on new expectations and a way forward. Mining is Zimbabwe’s second-largest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product, accounting for 14.3% of output after manufacturing.

Several Chinese mining firms have invested in Zimbabwe’s spodumene production, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine, Chengxin Lithium Group, and Yahua. These investments have led to significant expansion of spodumene output in recent years.

Source: Al Jazeera