THE Government yesterday announced the suspension of the export of all lithium concentrates and raw minerals, intensifying efforts under the Second Republic to enhance mineral accountability, promote local beneficiation and ensure Zimbabwe retains maximum value from its vast resource endowment.
The move aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision that the country’s God-given minerals must benefit all citizens, moving beyond mere extraction to spur industrialisation and economic transformation.
Mining has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy under the Second Republic, with the sector recording unprecedented growth since 2017. Mineral export earnings have risen from approximately US$2.7 billion to over US$5.6 billion, with some reports indicating revenues reached US$9.77 billion by 2023.
The sector contributes about 12 to 13.3 percent of Gross Domestic Product and accounts for over 80 percent of the country’s export receipts, underscoring its critical role in driving the nation towards an upper middle-income economy by 2030 .
Addressing a press conference in Harare yesterday, Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura said the ban had been extended to all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, applying to consignments currently in transit.
This signals that the Government no longer tolerates the export of unprocessed minerals.
“Government has suspended the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect until further notice. This suspension includes all minerals currently in transit. To this effect, ZIMRA, MMCZ (Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe) and regulators are advised to observe the suspension without exception,” he said. “Government expects cooperation of the mining industry on this measure, which has been taken in the national interest.”
The latest directive builds on earlier bans on unprocessed chrome and lithium, which have already spurred investment in local processing facilities, which include Huayou’s US$400 million lithium sulphate plant and Sinomine’s planned US$500 million facility at Bikita Minerals.
Minister Kambamura said the Government, through his ministry remains committed to ensuring transparency, in-country value addition and beneficiation, compliance and accountability in the exportation of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources.
President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasised that mining investments must result in the prosperity of all citizens, with benefits cascading to all levels of communities.
Recently, at the official opening of the 27th Mine Entra Expo, the President urged mining companies to contribute to local infrastructure, education and healthcare projects in the areas they operate.
“The urgent challenge, therefore, is not only to produce more, but to also produce better. The benefits of mining should extend beyond mere extractive processes to positively impact communities and the planet as a whole,” President Mnangagwa said .
The Government is finalising the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which replaces the outdated 1961 Act and introduces community benefit-sharing, mandatory social investment by mining companies, and a digital mining cadastre to improve transparency.
Yesterday, Minister Kambamura outlined new export requirements, stating that only mining companies holding valid mining titles and approved beneficiation plants will be authorised to export minerals.
“Agents and third-party traders are not authorised to export minerals on behalf of mining title holders,” he said.
“In addition to other supporting documents for export permit applications, applicants must also attach a recommendation letter from the relevant Provincial Mining Office, clearly stating beneficiation capacity, compliance status with ministry regulations and statutory requirements.”
Dr Kambamura said applicants must declare the mineral composition of each consignment and his ministry will conduct verification testing at any time. No applications will be processed without full compliance.
Continuous use of an expired or exhausted export permit constitutes a serious offence that warrants the withdrawal of export permits and mining titles.
The ban is expected to accelerate the establishment of beneficiation plants, create jobs and position Zimbabwe as a leader in the global green energy transition.
With the country holding major reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and graphite, local processing will enable Zimbabwe to capture more value from the growing demand for battery minerals.
The Mining Development Ministry has previously noted that Government bans on raw mineral exports have resulted in increased investment in smelters, concentrators and battery manufacturing plants.
The Dinson Iron and Steel Project, Zimplats smelter expansion, and new coke oven batteries are tangible outcomes of this value-addition policy.
Under the Second Republic’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”, communities hosting mining operations stand to benefit through infrastructure development, education and healthcare services as companies establish processing facilities.
The Government will engage the mining industry in the near future on new expectations and the way forward, as Zimbabwe continues its trajectory toward becoming a regional mining powerhouse driven by value addition and beneficiation.
With over 40 commercially exploitable minerals ranging from gold and platinum group metals to lithium, rare earth elements, diamonds and base metals, Zimbabwe’s mining sector remains central to the country’s quest to attain Upper Middle-Income Economy status by 2030.-herakd
