Zimbabwe Pushes Ahead With Lithium Processing Plants

Zimbabwe’s efforts to gain more value from its large lithium deposits are starting to bear fruit, with four lithium sulphate processing plants expected to begin operations before the end of the year.

The facilities, which are at different stages of construction across the country, form part of the government’s broader plan to shift Zimbabwe from exporting raw minerals to producing higher-value lithium products used in modern battery technology.

Demand for lithium has grown significantly worldwide in recent years, largely due to the expansion of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.

Government officials say progress in lithium processing projects has accelerated following policy measures aimed at promoting local mineral beneficiation.

Zimbabwe recently placed restrictions on the export of raw lithium concentrates in order to encourage mining companies to process the mineral within the country.

Authorities believe this strategy will allow Zimbabwe to retain more economic value from its natural resources while also promoting industrial growth.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Pfungwa Kunaka, said the policy is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure the country benefits more from the global lithium value chain.

Speaking during a stakeholder workshop on energy minerals in Kadoma, Kunaka said many lithium-producing nations are now prioritising the processing of the mineral into higher-value products rather than exporting it in raw form.

Several projects are expected to drive the next stage of lithium beneficiation in Zimbabwe. These include developments linked to Bikita Minerals as well as new processing facilities in areas such as Goromonzi, Arcadia and Kamativi.

The plants are expected to produce lithium sulphate and related compounds used as intermediate materials in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.

Officials say these developments could help lay the foundation for a domestic battery minerals industry.

The developments in the lithium sector were discussed during a workshop organised by the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development in partnership with ActionAid Zimbabwe.

The event is part of a parliamentary inquiry into Zimbabwe’s energy minerals sector that began in 2025.

Committee chairperson Remigio Mtangira said legislators plan to visit mining communities to gather input from residents and other stakeholders affected by mining activities.

He noted that energy minerals such as lithium and coal play a major role in Zimbabwe’s economy through electricity generation and the production of foreign currency.