Zimbabwe bans raw mineral, lithium exports

Zimbabwe has banned the export of raw minerals amostly lithium concentrate with immediate effect to force local value addition and ensure mining sector accountability.

In a statement yesterday, the minister of Mines of Mineral Development, Polite Kambamura, said the suspension applies across the board, including minerals that were already in transit.

“To this effect, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), and regulators are advised to observe the suspension without exception. The government expects cooperation from the mining industry on this measure, which has been taken in the national interest.

“The ministry will be engaging the industry in the near future on new expectations and a way forward. The ministry wishes to advise all stakeholders in the mining sector that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency, in-country value addition and beneficiation, compliance, and accountability in the exportation of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources,” said Kambamura.

He also outlined the mandatory requirements governing the export of minerals in the country.

“The ministry hereby outlines the mandatory requirements governing the export of all other minerals. Only mining companies holding valid mining titles and approved beneficiation plants will be authorised to export minerals. Agents and third-party traders are not authorised to export minerals on behalf of mining title holders,” said Kambamura.

“In addition to other supporting documents for export permit applications, applicants must also attach the following: Recommendation letter from the relevant provincial mining office, clearly stating beneficiation capacity and compliance status with ministry regulations and statutory requirements. The applicant should declare the mineral composition of the export consignment. The ministry will at any time test to verify the mineral composition of each consignment. No application will be processed without full compliance with the above requirements. Any mineral exports not supported by valid export permits and complete documentation shall be denied clearance.”

He further warned people against using expired mining export permits.

“Continuous use of an expired or already exhausted export permit is a serious offence that warrants withdrawal of export permit and mining title,” said Kambamura.

“The government reiterates that these measures are being implemented in the national interest, to enhance mineral accountability, promote beneficiation, and maximise value retention within Zimbabwe. The ministry will continue engaging stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of these measures and to support compliant operators.”

This comes as last week President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the country must move away from exporting raw materials and instead focus on value addition and beneficiation across key sectors.

Addressing delegates at a ZimTrade exporters’ conference held under the theme “Rooted Locally and Growing Globally,” in Bulawayo, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s days as a raw material exporter were numbered.

“Dependence on raw exports is no longer sustainable. We must earn more from every tonne, every kilogramme and every product we export. The value must be created locally and domesticated here in our factories and processing plants,” said Mnangagwa.