Zimbabwe to ban lithium concentrate exports by 2027
The government of Zimbabwe has announced that it will enforce a ban on the export of lithium concentrates starting January 2027, as part of a broader push to develop domestic processing capacity. This decision follows a previous ban on raw lithium ore exports in 2022 and reflects Zimbabwe’s ambition to move up the value chain in the global battery minerals market.
Local processing infrastructure is currently under development, with lithium sulphate plants being constructed at two major operations: Bikita Minerals and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe. These projects, owned by Chinese firms Sinomine and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, will produce lithium sulphate—an intermediate product used in refining battery-grade lithium carbonate or hydroxide.
Going local
Speaking after a cabinet briefing, Mines Minister Winston Chitando said the upcoming ban is justified because Zimbabwe will soon have enough local capacity to process lithium concentrates. In recent years, Chinese companies such as Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua Group, and Canmax Technologies have poured over $1 billion into Zimbabwe’s lithium sector through acquisitions and mine development. However, the lithium market experienced a sharp price drop in 2023, prompting the government to adjust the pace of its beneficiation policy. Initially, miners were required to submit refinery development plans by March 2024, but that deadline was relaxed due to changing market dynamics.
Meanwhile, mining firms under the Zimbabwe Lithium Exporters group—which includes Chengxin—are urging the government to delay the 5% export tax on lithium concentrates until 2027. They argue that the levy should only take effect once local refining facilities become fully operational.
