Zimbabwe is set to introduce export quotas on lithium concentrates while requiring stronger commitments from producers to invest in local processing, as part of new conditions for resuming mineral exports.
The move follows a suspension of lithium concentrate and other unprocessed mineral exports on February 26, after the government raised concerns over alleged malpractices and revenue leakages within the sector.
In a directive issued by the mines ministry to the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe, producers were informed that approved export quotas would be allocated individually. Companies must also comply with stricter transparency and governance measures, including the publication of annual financial statements and adherence to labour, safety and environmental standards.
A key requirement is that mining firms submit written commitments outlining timelines to establish lithium sulphate processing plants before January 1, 2027. This aligns with the government’s broader strategy to increase domestic value addition rather than exporting raw materials.
In the interim, a 10% export tax on lithium concentrates will remain in place until a full ban on concentrate exports comes into effect in January 2027.
Zimbabwe is Africa’s leading lithium producer and plays an increasingly important role in the global battery supply chain. Chinese companies—including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine, Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua, and Tsingshan Holding Group—dominate the country’s lithium sector, reinforcing China’s influence over global battery materials.
In 2025, Zimbabwe exported approximately 1.128 million metric tons of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate to China, representing about 15% of China’s total imports of the material.
Efforts to localise processing are already underway. Huayou has commissioned a $400 million plant to convert lithium concentrate into lithium sulphate—an intermediate product used to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate. Meanwhile, Sinomine and Yahua have also announced plans to develop similar processing facilities at their Zimbabwean operations.
The introduction of export quotas and processing requirements signals a strategic shift by Zimbabwe to capture more value from its mineral resources, while tightening regulatory oversight of a rapidly growing sector.
