In a dramatic policy change, the government of Zimbabwe has suspended the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect. The move, announced on Wednesday by the Mines and Mining Development Ministry, applies even to shipments already in transit and will remain in place until further notice. Officials say the decision aims to strengthen oversight, increase transparency, and ensure greater value addition within the country’s mining sector.
Authorities have framed the export halt as being in the “national interest,” emphasizing a push toward local processing and beneficiation of mineral resources rather than selling them in unprocessed form on international markets. Only companies that hold valid mining titles and operate approved beneficiation facilities will be allowed to export minerals under the revised system. Government agencies, including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, have been instructed to enforce the new rules strictly.
Analysts say the suspension could have ripple effects beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, particularly in global battery and tech supply chains that depend on lithium and other strategic minerals. Zimbabwe holds some of Africa’s largest lithium reserves, and much of its production historically has been exported abroad for processing. By restricting raw exports, the government hopes to capture more economic benefits at home, though the policy could also introduce short‑term uncertainty for miners and international buyers alike.