Zimbabwe has imposed an instantaneous ban on exports of all uncooked minerals and lithium concentrates, halting shipments already in transit as the federal government tightens management over the nation’s mining sector.
Mines and Mining Improvement Minister Well mannered Kambamura introduced Wednesday that the suspension takes impact instantly and can stay in place till additional discover.
“Authorities expects cooperation of the mining business on this measure which has been taken within the nationwide curiosity,” the ministry mentioned in an announcement.
It added that authorities stay dedicated to “making certain transparency, in-country worth addition and beneficiation, compliance, and accountability within the exportation of Zimbabwe’s mineral sources.”
The abrupt transfer accelerates earlier plans to curb lithium focus exports. Harare had beforehand set January 2027 because the deadline for banning such shipments, aiming to push miners to ascertain native processing and refining capability. Wednesday’s announcement successfully brings that timeline ahead.
In a February 17 letter to the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe seen by Reuters, the ministry mentioned it could realign export processes amid considerations about “continued malpractices throughout the exportation of minerals.”
The letter described the evaluation as “a part of a broader effort to curb leakages and improve effectivity inside our methods.”
Kambamura advised reporters in Harare that the ban would solely be lifted if miners adjust to authorities necessities. He mentioned Zimbabwe “shall be participating the business within the close to future on new expectations and means ahead.”
Zimbabwe has quickly emerged as a serious provider of lithium focus to China, the place the fabric is refined into battery-grade merchandise utilized in electrical autos and power storage methods.
The nation exported 1.128 million metric tons of lithium-bearing spodumene focus by the tip of 2025, up 11 p.c from the earlier yr. It additionally holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves and ranks among the many high international producers, with sources estimated at 126 million metric tons, in line with official information.
A lot of the sector’s latest development has been pushed by Chinese language funding, with corporations committing billions of {dollars} to develop Zimbabwean mines.
Lithium, together with uncommon earths and different strategic supplies, have gained strategic precedence for its position in producing batteries, electronics, renewable power methods, and protection applied sciences.
Mining is Zimbabwe’s second-largest contributor to gross home product after manufacturing, accounting for 14.3 p.c of output, in line with World Financial institution information.
The quick suspension, nonetheless, introduces uncertainty for producers and exporters who had been getting ready for a phased transition.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, maintain no direct funding curiosity in any firm talked about on this article.
