Lithium Export Ban to Lift

The Government of Zimbabwe has outlined a comprehensive and stringent framework for lifting its ban on lithium concentrate exports, signalling a decisive shift toward value addition, regulatory compliance, and sustainable mining practices.

In a letter seen by Hurumende News Hub, addressed to the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe and copied to all lithium producers, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura detailed the prerequisites that mining companies must meet before export restrictions can be eased.

At the core of the policy is a firm requirement for local beneficiation.

Mining companies must provide written commitments to establish facilities that enable the separation and processing of all economic minerals within Zimbabwe prior to export.

This aligns with the country’s broader industrialisation agenda under the Second Republic, aimed at capturing more value from Zimbabwe’s vast lithium resources rather than exporting raw materials and losing potential revenue.

In addition, firms are required to commit to building lithium sulphate plants by 1 January 2027, with specifications subject to ministerial approval.

This move is expected to anchor Zimbabwe’s transition into a more advanced player in the global battery minerals value chain, positioning local producers to supply the growing electric vehicle market.

The Government is also tightening oversight on revenue flows and mineral accountability. Companies must declare all minerals contained in export consignments for tax compliance, fully acquit export proceeds through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and publish annual financial statements starting from 31 December 2025.

These measures are designed to enhance fiscal transparency and ensure that the fiscus captures its fair share of mineral revenues.

A 10 percent beneficiation export tax will be imposed on all lithium concentrate exports.

Additionally, export quotas will be allocated individually to producers, giving Government tighter control over volumes leaving the country and preventing leakage of foreign currency.

To support sector-wide quality assurance, mining firms must commit to establishing two internationally accredited laboratories serving the entire mining industry, as well as on-site assay laboratories at each producing mine within three months.

These requirements aim to standardise mineral testing, improve credibility in international markets, and reduce reliance on external facilities, saving the sector valuable foreign currency.

The policy also introduces strong social and labour provisions. Companies are required to build adequate accommodation for local employees, particularly those working at mine sites in areas like Goromonzi, Mberengwa, and Bikita, and align salaries with the minimum standards set by the National Employment Council (NEC) for the mining industry.

This reflects a broader push to ensure that mining activities translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for workers and local communities, many of whom have raised concerns about poor living conditions at some mine sites.

Mining operators must establish dedicated Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) departments at each site to address occupational hazards and environmental impacts.

This underscores Government’s intent to enforce responsible mining practices alongside economic objectives, following previous complaints about environmental degradation in lithium-rich areas.

A ministerial committee will be established to oversee compliance, with companies required to submit monthly progress reports to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

This introduces a continuous monitoring mechanism to ensure timely implementation and avoid the pitfalls of past policies that lacked follow-through.

The Government clarified that new and future investments in the lithium sector will be assessed individually, with conditions applied on a case-by-case basis.

This allows flexibility while maintaining regulatory rigour, giving potential investors clarity while protecting national interests.

Mines that fail to meet the requirements risk remaining locked out of export markets, while compliant players stand to benefit from Zimbabwe’s growing reputation as a reliable battery minerals supplier.