Trymore Tagwirei
Government has today, 25 February 2026, suspended the export of all lithium concentrates and raw minerals with immediate effect.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, who said the directive applied to both future shipments and consignments already in transit.
“The suspension will remain in force until further notice as authorities work to tighten export controls, promote local beneficiation and ensure greater accountability in the country’s strategic mineral sector,” Kambamura said.
The minister said enforcement of the directive will be undertaken by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) and other regulatory bodies.
Under the new measures, only mining companies holding valid mining titles and approved beneficiation plans will be eligible to apply for export permits.
“Applicants for export permits must now provide supporting documentation confirming local beneficiation capacity, as verified by provincial mining offices,” said Kambamura.
The directive also bars agents and third-party traders from exporting minerals on behalf of title holders. Kambamura warned that any mineral shipments lacking proper documentation will be denied clearance and may be confiscated.
The policy shift forms part of the government’s broader strategy to transition Zimbabwe from a predominantly raw materials exporter to a producer of higher-value mineral products. Recent official statements have consistently emphasised value addition as central to national economic growth.
Zimbabwe, which holds one of Africa’s largest lithium reserves, last year announced that lithium concentrate exports would be banned by January 2027 in order to encourage investment in downstream processing, including lithium sulphate and battery-grade materials.
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In December 2022, proclaimed Statutory Instrument (SI) 213 of 2022 – the ‘Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Lithium Bearing Ores) Order, 2022, imposing a blanket ban on the export of lithium ore to encourage beneficiation.
It is the current suspension of lithium concentrates, however, which represents an acceleration of that policy direction, as authorities seek to maximise economic returns from lithium production amid rising global demand for battery minerals.
Government officials said consultations with industry stakeholders will be conducted in the coming weeks to clarify compliance requirements and outline the next steps.
