Government Softens Lithium Ban, Grants Export Quotas to Six Mines

Government has granted lithium export quotas to six operating mines, effectively softening a blanket ban imposed in February, as the government moves to balance resource control with industry survival.

In a letter to the Chamber of Mines last week, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Honourable Polite Kambamura specifically required that, “Firms are required to commit to building lithium sulphate plants by 1 January 2027, with specifications subject to ministerial approval.”

The move is expected to propel the country into one of the leading global players in the battery minerals value chain.

In the letter Hon. Kambamura detailed the raft of measures mining companies must meet before the easing of export.

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

“Companies must declare all minerals contained in export consignments for tax compliance, fully acquit export proceeds and publish annual financial statements starting from 31 December 2025,” reads part of the letter.

It stated that a 10 percent beneficiation (export) tax will be imposed on all lithium concentrate exports, and export quotas will be allocated individually to producers.

“Mining firms must commit to establishing two internationally accredited laboratories serving the entire mining industry and on-site assay laboratories at each producing mine within three months.

“Companies are required to build adequate accommodation for local employees and align salaries with the minimum standards set by the National Employment Council for the mining industry.”

It stated that mining operators must establish dedicated Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) departments at each site.

“A ministerial committee will be established to oversee compliance, with companies required to submit monthly progress reports on their commitments.

“New and future investments in the lithium sector will be assessed individually, with conditions applied on a case-by-case basis.”

The government declared that unrestricted exports are over. Full liberalisation is only expected after 1 January 2027, once beneficiation targets are met, a move authorities say will safeguard long-term value and curb resource depletion.