In a strategic policy shift aimed at capturing greater value from its mineral wealth, Zimbabwe has announced on June 10 that it will ban the export of lithium concentrate beginning January 2027.
The decision, unveiled by Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando during a post-cabinet media briefing, underscores the government’s commitment to transitioning from raw mineral exports to local refining. The move aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader industrialisation agenda, anchored in mineral beneficiation and value addition.
Minister Chitando revealed that the country is building industrial capacity through two major Chinese-backed firms—Bikita Minerals and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe—which are currently developing facilities to process lithium concentrate into lithium sulfate. Lithium sulfate is a key intermediate product used in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries. Chitando urged other lithium miners who are not developing processing plants to enter tolling agreements with those that have the infrastructure, ensuring that no lithium concentrate leaves Zimbabwe unrefined.
This policy follows Zimbabwe’s 2022 ban on the export of raw lithium ore, a move that has already begun shifting the dynamics of the country’s lithium trade. As the holder of Africa’s largest lithium reserves, Zimbabwe is positioning itself to play a central role in the global energy transition. The forthcoming ban is expected to not only enhance local revenue and create jobs but also solidify Zimbabwe’s strategic relevance in the growing battery mineral supply chain.
