Zimbabwe will continue pushing mineral value addition and beneficiation to unlock greater economic benefits, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said. The policy aims to strengthen industrialisation and protect the country’s economic sovereignty.
Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga delivered the President’s speech during the 28th Mine Entra Conference in Bulawayo on Thursday. The address outlined Government’s long-term vision for the mining industry.
Government intensifies mineral beneficiation drive
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe must capture more value from its mineral resources instead of exporting raw materials. He urged Government, investors and mining companies to strengthen the entire mining value chain.
He said: “Government will continue to implement enabling policies and programmes, ensure that we derive maximum benefits from the mining value chain. Together, we have a duty to manage our resources for increased local development, sustainability and economic sovereignty.”
The President also reminded investors that Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth belongs to its citizens. Therefore, companies must manage those resources responsibly for future generations.
He said: “Zimbabwe, including all that which is on it, and under it, belongs to all its people. Investors, owners of claims and other stakeholders are the few that have been entrusted… to steward resources under our land. This sacred duty must never be taken lightly.”
Furthermore, President Mnangagwa declared an end to exporting valuable minerals under broad classifications. He said Zimbabwe would instead prioritise local processing and beneficiation.
He said: “The days where consignments leave our borders, declared simply as ‘ore’ or ‘concentrates’, meanwhile containing valuable and rare earth minerals are over.”
The President announced another major milestone for the lithium industry. He said Zimbabwe expects to export only lithium sulphate from January 2027.
He said: “It is my expectation that, by January 2027, Zimbabwe will only export Lithium Sulphate. To ease that transition, my Government has put in place an orderly quota arrangement, so that no responsible operator shuts down. This will allow the revenue earned today to help build the processing and beneficiation plants of tomorrow.”
President Mnangagwa also welcomed recent progress in local lithium processing. He highlighted a historic export achieved earlier this year.
He said: “I am pleased with the remarkable progress being made in the lithium sub-sector. In April 2026, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe dispatched the first-ever export of locally produced lithium sulphate. This was a first-ever on the African continent.”
He further instructed authorities to speed up lithium sulphate projects at Bikita, Kamativi and Sandawana. He also called for the completion of Zimbabwe’s precious minerals refinery.
President warns against corruption and environmental damage
President Mnangagwa warned that economic growth must never come at communities’ expense. He pledged firm action against environmental destruction and corruption.
He said: “My administration will not broker conditions where the health, livelihoods and general wellbeing of communities are compromised for profit expediency.”
The President also issued a strong warning to corrupt officials and companies involved in bribery.
He added: “Corrupt public sector officials and inspectors who turn a blind eye to breaches of our laws, in return for sleazy bribes will be sternly dealt with, along with the entities that offer the kickbacks.”
Additionally, he encouraged mining companies to embrace technology and strengthen local supply chains. He also urged firms to invest in surrounding communities and support small-scale miners.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to attracting investment. He said Government remains focused on creating a business-friendly environment.
He said: “The doors of my Government remain open for business and mutually beneficial, win-win synergies. Mining, for Zimbabwe, is no longer merely a line of revenue. It is one of the central pillars through which we are building, developing, modernising and industrialising our beloved motherland.”
He concluded by urging the mining sector to pursue sustainable development. He said the industry should benefit both current and future generations.
He said: “Let us continue to unearth and mine with pride; transform and beneficiate with purpose to propel shared prosperity… Mining should be more than a business, but the arena through which you serve the people of our nation, for both present and future generations.”
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