Zimbabwe to ban lithium concentrate exports to boost value-added production

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Zimbabwe, a major lithium producer in Africa, announced on Tuesday that it will ban the export of lithium concentrate from January 2027 to boost local refining and generate more revenue from the value-added mineral.

Speaking at a post-cabinet media briefing, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando said Zimbabwe is building capacity to produce battery-grade lithium through two major Chinese-invested companies Bikita Minerals and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe.

He said the value-added facilities will process lithium concentrate into lithium sulfate, which is a direct input into lithium battery manufacturing.

"The two major players are in the process of establishing lithium sulfate plants. As a country, we are moving to a stage where we are upgrading our lithium production to lithium sulfate. Because of that capacity which is now in the country, the export of all lithium concentrates will be banned from January 2027," Chitando said.

The minister urged lithium producers who are not investing in value-added facilities to sign tolling agreements with companies that have the processing capacity.

Zimbabwe has begun exporting lithium concentrates following the 2022 ban on raw lithium ore exports.

Zimbabwe has the largest lithium reserves in Africa. Due to growing global demand for the mineral, which is critical in the new energy drive, the country has witnessed huge investments in the lithium sector in recent years.