Zimbabwe’s growing influence in the global lithium market is beginning to be felt, with international prices rising soon after the country announced a ban on the export of raw lithium ore.
Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura says the development shows that Zimbabwe has a strong voice in the global energy transition debate due to its significant lithium resources.
Speaking on the impact of the policy, Kambamura said global markets reacted quickly following the government’s decision to prioritise beneficiation of lithium.
“It’s correct that after the announcement, prices went up significantly just because of one policy move from the government about the beneficiation of lithium,” he said.
Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s largest lithium producers and plays an increasingly strategic role in supplying the mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
The minister said the country contributes a notable share of global lithium supply, with a significant portion of the mineral previously exported for processing abroad.
Kambamura said Zimbabwe must use its resource position to ensure the country benefits more from the global shift towards green energy.
“As a country, considering our position as one of the largest lithium producers in Africa, we need to benefit from our lithium resources,” he said.
He added that Zimbabwe intends to move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead focus on value addition and manufacturing.
“This is about how we go green. We must benefit more from our minerals and also from finished products derived from lithium resources,” he said.
Government policy now aims to attract serious investors who are willing to establish lithium processing plants and manufacturing facilities within the country.
Kambamura said Zimbabwe hopes to see the production of lithium-based products such as batteries, solar-related technologies and other components used in the global energy transition.
Officials say the beneficiation policy will not only increase export earnings but also create jobs, develop local industry and position Zimbabwe as a key player in the rapidly growing global lithium sector.
