By Emmanuel Obisue
Zimbabwe has announced an immediate ban on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, in a move aimed at tightening state control over strategic resources vital to global clean energy and defence industries.
The decision was disclosed on Wednesday by Mines Minister Polite Kambamura, who said the measure was taken in the national interest and called for full cooperation from players in the mining sector.
“Government expects cooperation of the mining industry on this measure which has been taken in the national interest,” Kambamura said in a statement.
The directive applies to all unprocessed minerals, including shipments already in transit, and will remain in force until further notice.
The policy shift reflects a broader global trend, as countries seek to secure greater control over rare earth elements and other critical minerals used in smartphones, renewable energy technologies and military equipment. Producing nations are increasingly strengthening supply chain regulations to retain more value from their natural resources.
Harare said the ban is designed to promote transparency and ensure in-country value addition and beneficiation of mineral resources. Authorities had earlier scheduled a prohibition on lithium concentrate exports for January 2027 to encourage mining firms to establish local processing facilities. The new order accelerates that timeline.
Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest known lithium reserves and has become a key supplier of the mineral, exporting much of its output to China for refining. Lithium is a crucial component in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
Mining remains a cornerstone of the Zimbabwean economy, accounting for approximately 14.3 per cent of gross domestic product. Officials argue that processing minerals domestically will boost industrialisation, create jobs and increase foreign exchange earnings.
The latest announcement follows growing criticism from some quarters over how the country manages its mineral wealth. By halting raw exports, the government is signalling a stronger push toward beneficiation and greater state oversight of the sector.
Industry stakeholders are expected to engage authorities in the coming days to clarify implementation details and the impact on existing contracts.
