Zimbabwe’s Mines Ministry says it has banned the export of lithium concentrates following the discovery of under-declaration by some mining companies.
Authorities say investigations revealed that certain exporters were declaring lower volumes or values of lithium shipments than what was actually being exported, in a move designed to avoid paying full taxes and royalties.
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Polite Kambamura, said the measure is meant to protect national revenue and restore transparency in the sector.
Lithium producers had been exporting processed lithium concentrate, with Government giving them up to 2027 to upgrade operations and begin producing higher-value lithium sulphate locally.
Several companies have since invested in new processing infrastructure. Among them is Huayou Cobalt, which operates the Prospect Lithium Mine and has built a sulphate processing plant scheduled to open later this year.
However, the Ministry says some operators increased concentrate output in an effort to maximise exports ahead of the 2027 deadline, raising concerns about compliance with beneficiation policy.
According to the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe exported 1.128 million metric tonnes of lithium concentrate in 2025, up from 1.014 million tonnes in 2024.
Despite higher volumes, export earnings marginally declined to 513.8 million US dollars in 2025, compared to 514.5 million dollars the previous year.
Government says the export ban will remain in place as it strengthens oversight and pushes for value addition in line with national industrialisation goals.
