Keypoints:
- Zimbabwe to enforce full ban on lithium concentrate exports by 2027
- Chinese firms lead investments in domestic lithium processing
- Ban follows earlier restrictions on lithium ore exports in 2022
ZIMBABWE will prohibit the export of lithium concentrates from January 2027, as part of its long-term strategy to boost domestic value addition in the lithium sector, Mines Minister Winston Chitando announced on Tuesday.
The move extends the country’s efforts to build a local battery minerals value chain and follows a 2022 ban on the export of raw lithium ore. Zimbabwe is Africa’s largest producer of lithium, a key component in batteries used for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
Chitando told journalists during a post-cabinet media briefing that the government’s decision comes as two lithium sulphate plants under construction—at Bikita Minerals and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe—are set to come online.
‘Because of that capacity which is now in the country, the export of all lithium concentrates will be banned from January 2027,’ he said. His remarks were reported by Reuters on Tuesday.
Chinese firms dominate local lithium processing
The minister noted that significant progress is being made by foreign investors—particularly Chinese mining firms—in building in-country refining capacity. Bikita Minerals is owned by Sinomine Resource Group, while Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe is controlled by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt.
These two firms are part of a broader group of Chinese companies—including Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua Group, and Canmax Technologies—that have collectively invested over US$1 billion since 2021 to acquire and develop lithium assets in Zimbabwe.
Lithium sulphate is considered a critical intermediate product that can be further refined into battery-grade materials such as lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate. By establishing local facilities to process lithium concentrates into these higher-value products, Zimbabwe aims to increase earnings from its rich mineral deposits and reduce dependence on exports to Asian markets.
Policy shift follows price drop
In 2023, authorities gave lithium miners until March 2024 to present detailed plans for local refining. However, the government softened its position temporarily after global lithium prices fell sharply, prompting concerns about the financial viability of new smelters.
Still, Harare is now doubling down on its push for beneficiation, arguing that long-term gains from local processing outweigh short-term market fluctuations.
Zimbabwe’s strategic position in the global lithium supply chain—combined with growing international demand for battery materials—makes it an attractive hub for investors. But the government has made it clear that future licences and export permissions will hinge on domestic value addition.
As the country prepares for the 2027 ban, all eyes will be on the rollout and completion of the processing plants at Bikita and Prospect, which are expected to set the standard for other miners operating in the country.
