Zimbabwe, the leading lithium producer in Africa, has imposed strict rules for restarting mineral exports, marking a decisive effort to exercise greater control over its strategic resources.
The Ministry of Mines informed mining companies that exports of lithium concentrate will now be governed by mandatory quotas and that firms must establish domestic processing plants before shipments can resume.
These measures follow a suspension of exports in February, prompted by government claims of sectoral malpractice and resource leakages.
In correspondence sent to the Chamber of Mines, the ministry detailed the new requirements, which include publishing annual financial reports and adhering to labour, safety, and environmental regulations.
Individual producers will receive specific export quotas, while a 10% export tax will remain in effect until a January 2027 ban on unprocessed concentrate shipments comes into force.
Companies are also required to submit written schedules for constructing lithium sulphate facilities, an essential step toward producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate.
Zimbabwe’s policy aligns with a wider African trend toward domestic beneficiation and value addition in mining.
By mandating local processing, the government aims to retain more revenue, develop skills, and build industrial capacity within the country, rather than exporting raw materials to foreign buyers.
Chinese corporations such as Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine, Chengxin Lithium, and Yahua dominate the country’s lithium industry, underscoring the significance of foreign investment and the need for national policies to maximize local benefits.
In 2025, Zimbabwe shipped over 1.1 million metric tons of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate to China, representing about 15% of the nation’s imports.
Under the new regulations, Africa could see greater domestic value creation, while international buyers like China may face more restricted supply, highlighting the continent’s growing influence over critical mineral resources.