Zimbabwe Puts Conditions On Lithium Miners To Lift Export Ban

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s government has spelled out strict conditions for lithium producers to lift the export ban, aiming to ensure local beneficiation, tax compliance, and better labour standards. The move comes after accusations in February that miners were underdeclaring minerals, prompting authorities to halt lithium concentrate exports.

By Advent Shoko 

Mines Minister Polite Kambamura has sent a formal letter to producers outlining specific requirements:

1). Written commitment to build beneficiation facilities for local separation of all economic minerals before export

2). Mandatory declaration of all other minerals in consignments and full acquittal of export proceeds

3). Submission of financial statements from December 2025 onward

4). Development of lithium sulphate plants meeting ministerial standards by 1 January 2027

5). Introduction of export quotas for each producer

6). Construction of two internationally accredited labs for the sector

7). Assay laboratories at each mine within three months

8). Commitment to decent accommodation facilities for local employees

9). Salary adjustments according to minimum National Employment Council rates

10). Establishment of SHEQ departments to manage work-related and environmental issues

The 2022 raw lithium export ban had already pushed miners to produce concentrates. Now, with a 10% tax still in place, authorities are accelerating the shift toward lithium sulphate, a crucial intermediate for battery production. Companies like Bikita Minerals and Prospect Lithium (Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt) are already building facilities, with Huayou’s US$400 million plant expected online this year.

Kambamura emphasised that “new/future investments in the lithium sector will have the conditions applied on a case-by-case basis,” signalling a tighter regulatory environment for all incoming projects. The government hopes these measures will improve transparency, local industrial capacity, and worker welfare across Zimbabwe’s strategic lithium sector.

The policy sends a clear signal: investors must balance profit with compliance and social responsibility, or face restricted access to one of the world’s fastest-growing critical minerals.