Zimbabwe Bans Raw Mineral Exports, Including Lithium, to Boost Local Processing

Zimbabwe has suspended exports of all raw minerals, including lithium concentrates, with immediate effect, as the government seeks to maximize domestic value addition and curb resource exploitation. The ban, announced by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, applies to all minerals “currently in transit” and aims to encourage local beneficiation.

Rationale Behind the Ban

The decision to halt raw mineral exports stems from concerns over resource plunder and under-declaration of export volumes. Minister Kambamura explained that the industry had increased production and export volumes following initial notice of the intended ban, with a surge in permit applications driven by a desire to export as much product as possible before the deadline. NewsDay Zimbabwe reports that the government hopes to push mining companies to commence processing and refining minerals locally.

Impact on Lithium Supply and Prices

Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves and was a significant supplier to China, accounting for nearly 20 percent of China’s total lithium concentrate supply. Al Jazeera reports that the ban is expected to significantly impact Chinese battery producers who have invested heavily in Zimbabwean mines.

Following the announcement in late February 2026, lithium carbonate prices on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange initially rose sharply to 178,020 yuan (US$25,800) per tonne, up from 119,000 yuan in January. However, prices have since moderated to approximately 159,000 yuan per tonne as of March 13, 2026, as immediate supply concerns eased.

Previous Timeline and Policy Shift

The export ban on lithium concentrates was originally scheduled to come into effect in January 2027, providing mining companies with a timeframe to establish local processing facilities. However, the government accelerated the deadline due to concerns about “continued malpractices during the exportation of minerals” and a desire to curb leakages and enhance efficiency within the export system. Al Jazeera reported on a February 17th ministry letter to the Chamber of Mines outlining these concerns.

Export Volumes

In the year ending December 2025, Zimbabwe exported 1.128 million metric tonnes of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate, representing an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Al Jazeera

Government Commitment

The Zimbabwean government has reiterated its commitment to transparency, in-country value addition, beneficiation, compliance, and accountability in the exportation of its mineral resources. The move is part of a broader effort to maximize the economic benefits derived from the country’s abundant mineral wealth.