Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Concentrate Exports as Government Tightens Mineral Controls
The Government has announced an immediate suspension of all lithium concentrate and raw mineral exports, tightening control over one of the country’s most strategic resources.
Confirming the development, Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura said the directive takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
The ban applies to all lithium concentrates and unprocessed minerals, including consignments already in transit.
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Authorities Ordered to Enforce Ban
Kambamura instructed key regulatory bodies — including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe — to enforce the suspension without exception.
“This suspension includes all minerals currently in transit,” the minister said, warning that no shipments would be cleared during the period of enforcement.
Focus on Value Addition and Accountability
The government says the move is aimed at strengthening mineral accountability, encouraging local beneficiation and ensuring the country retains greater value from its lithium resources.
Zimbabwe has increasingly pushed for in-country processing of minerals as part of broader efforts to maximise economic returns from its mining sector. Kambamura indicated that his ministry will soon engage industry stakeholders to outline revised expectations and chart a way forward under the new framework.
Strict Conditions for Future Exports
Under the new measures, only mining companies with valid mining titles and approved beneficiation plans will qualify to export minerals. Agents and third-party traders are no longer permitted to export on behalf of mining title holders.
Prospective exporters must now secure a recommendation letter from their respective Provincial Mines Office confirming beneficiation capacity and compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, alongside other supporting documentation.
The minister warned that any mineral exports lacking valid permits and complete paperwork will be denied clearance and seized by the State. He further cautioned that continued use of expired export permits constitutes a serious offence, potentially leading to the withdrawal of future export approvals and even mining rights.
The sweeping directive signals a firm stance by authorities as Zimbabwe seeks tighter oversight and greater domestic benefit from its booming lithium sector.
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