Summary
Zimbabwe has stopped exporting raw minerals and lithium concentrates immediately. This decision aims to encourage local processing of minerals. The government wants to add more value to its resources before export.
Key Facts
- Zimbabwe banned exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates immediately.
- The ban includes minerals that were already in transit.
- This measure aims to encourage local processing and add value to minerals before exporting.
- Originally, the export ban on lithium was planned for January 2027.
- The government cited concerns about export malpractices as part of the reason for the immediate ban.
- Zimbabwe has Africa's largest lithium reserves and exported over 1 million metric tonnes of lithium concentrate in 2025.
- Most lithium concentrate from Zimbabwe is usually sent to China for further processing.
- The country is aiming to benefit more from the global demand for green energy resources.
- Mining is the second-largest contributor to Zimbabwe's economy, making up 14.3% of GDP.
