• Zimbabwe imposed an immediate ban on lithium concentrate exports, advancing a planned 2027 deadline by one year.
• Authorities applied the embargo to shipments already in transit and did not specify its duration.
• Lithium export revenues rose 10% in 2025 to $571 million despite a global market downturn.

Zimbabwe has now suspended lithium concentrate exports with immediate effect, according to a notice that Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura published on February 25. The government introduced the ban one year ahead of the original 2027 timeline as it seeks to fast-track the development of domestic processing capacity.

The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Dr. P. Kambamura, held a press conference announcing a ban on the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrate, according to a statement posted by the Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting.

The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Dr. P. Kambamura, held a Press Conference announcing a ban on the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrate.#NDS2 pic.twitter.com/BNf2my8tLR

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) February 25, 2026

The minister said the measure directly supports Zimbabwe’s ambition to promote local beneficiation and maximize value retention within the country. Authorities did not specify the duration of the embargo, while they confirmed that the ban also applies to shipments already in transit. However, officials announced that they will hold consultations with industry players to clarify new requirements and discuss future prospects.

“The Minister of Mines and Mining Development wishes to inform all mining sector stakeholders that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency, value addition and beneficiation of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources, as well as compliance and accountability in their export,” the statement said.

Lithium Sulphate in Focus

Harare aims to accelerate its local lithium beneficiation strategy as global demand for the metal, which manufacturers use in electric vehicle batteries, is expected to grow alongside the energy transition. Although authorities have not disclosed details of the upcoming consultations, the government has already recorded some progress under its transformation policy.

At the state’s request, Chinese companies Sinomine and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt announced plans to build lithium sulphate plants for their respective Bikita and Arcadia mines. Refiners process lithium sulphate from concentrate to produce battery-grade derivatives such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. However, authorities have not clarified the current status of these projects.

Former Mines Minister Winston Chitando explained last year that the government linked the planned suspension of concentrate exports to the rollout of new processing capacity. Authorities required mining companies without similar investment plans to at least sign agreements with firms developing plants so they could process their output. It remains unclear whether Polite Kambamura will maintain these requirements under his leadership.

Zimbabwe could leverage exports of higher value-added lithium derivatives instead of concentrates to increase revenue. However, analysts will need to assess the impact of the embargo on sector earnings this year, particularly as the global lithium market has faced several years of oversupply and depressed prices. Nevertheless, Zimbabwe increased lithium export revenues by 10% in 2025 to reach $571 million.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou