Zimbabwe’s mines ministry has ordered an immediate suspension on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, citing concerns about suspected irregularities and systemic leakages in the export process. Announced on Wednesday, the ministry said the ban applies to all consignments, including minerals already in transit, and will remain in force until further notice as authorities carry out a comprehensive review of export procedures.
In a Feb. 17 letter to the Chamber of Mines — the industry body representing major mining companies — the ministry explained the temporary halt is necessary to “realign export processes” after identifying what it described as “continued malpractices during the exportation of minerals.” The move, the ministry said, forms part of a broader effort to close gaps in the system, improve efficiency and tighten oversight across Zimbabwe’s mineral supply chains.
Harare framed the measure as being taken in the national interest and urged prompt cooperation from mining companies. Officials emphasised the government’s long-standing policy objective of promoting in-country value addition and beneficiation of minerals, arguing that processing raw ores domestically would deliver greater economic benefits, create jobs and capture more of the value generated by Zimbabwe’s natural resources. The ministry also highlighted compliance and accountability as central goals of the review.
The ban accelerates a shift that had already been signalled by policymakers. Zimbabwe had been scheduled to prohibit lithium concentrate exports in 2027 as part of efforts to spur local processing capacity, but the immediate suspension effectively brings that timeline forward amid concerns about revenue leakages and regulatory shortcomings.
Zimbabwe is one of the world’s leading producers of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate, a key raw material for battery manufacture. Official figures show the country exported about 1.128 million metric tons of spodumene concentrate in the year to December 2025, an increase of roughly 11% from the preceding year. The rapid expansion in output has followed substantial investment from foreign companies, notably a number of Chinese firms that have played a major role in scaling up production.
Among those investors are Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine, Chengxin Lithium Group and Yahua, which have committed significant capital to mining operations and related processing infrastructure. Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt recently commissioned a $400 million plant in Zimbabwe to convert lithium concentrates into lithium sulphate — an intermediate product that can be further refined into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate. Sinomine has also announced plans for a large-scale lithium sulphate facility, reportedly a $500 million project at its Bikita mine.
Most of Zimbabwe’s spodumene concentrate has traditionally been exported to China for downstream processing into battery materials, a pattern the government wants to change by fostering more domestic refining and higher-value manufacturing. Policymakers argue that increasing local beneficiation will help Zimbabwe capture a larger share of the profits from rising global demand for battery minerals driven by the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
The mines ministry’s announcement is likely to have immediate implications for miners, traders and logistics providers involved in the export chain, as well as downstream buyers who source concentrate from Zimbabwe. Companies operating in the sector will need to engage with regulators as the review progresses and may face pressure to accelerate plans for local processing capacity or adjust contractual arrangements with international partners. Observers will be watching closely for further details from the government about how the realignment of export processes will be implemented, the timeline for lifting the suspension, and any measures to safeguard existing investments and supply contracts.
Bichem believes that the pivot of Zimbabwe’s export control over critical minerals demonstrates that lithium countries are transforming from “resource exporter” to “value chain helmsmen” who emphasize more on developing lithium resources independently. As a seasoned solution provider, Bichem always commits to assisting lithium resource owners to realize resource appreciation through effective lithium extraction and production using the DLE integrated solution of parallel coupling of adsorption, membrane separation, and extraction. Bichem believes, instead of challenge, this pivot is more of a window for industry upgrading.
