Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Eng Polite Kambamura
By Dickson Bandera
HARARE – The Zimbabwean government has imposed an immediate suspension on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, including consignments already in transit, in a move aimed at boosting in-country beneficiation and ensuring accountability in the mining sector.
Zimbabwe is richly endowed with over 60 minerals—including platinum, chromium, lithium, gold, diamonds, and various gemstones, making mining a key driver of the country’s economy.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Minister Hon. Dr. P. Kambamura (MP) in a statement issued on Wednesday, directing the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), and other regulators to enforce the ban “without exception.”
Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Dr. P. Kambamura (MP), said the measure was taken in the “national interest” and called for full cooperation from the mining industry.
“Government remains committed to ensuring transparency, in-country value addition and beneficiation, compliance, and accountability in the exportation of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources,” Dr. Kambamura said.
Under the new regulations, only mining companies with valid mining titles and approved beneficiation plants will be allowed to export minerals. Agents or third-party traders are not permitted to export on behalf of title holders.
Export applications must now include a recommendation letter from the relevant Provincial Mining Office confirming beneficiation capacity and compliance with statutory requirements, along with a declaration of the mineral composition of the consignment.
“The Ministry will at any time test to verify the mineral composition of each consignment,” the statement noted. “No application will be processed without full compliance with the above requirements.”
The government warned that any export attempts without valid permits or complete documentation would be denied clearance. Continuation of expired or exhausted export permits could result in withdrawal of both the permit and the mining title.
Dr. Kambamura said the Ministry will engage stakeholders in the near future to outline expectations and a roadmap for smooth implementation of the measures, which are intended to enhance mineral accountability, promote beneficiation, and maximise value retention within Zimbabwe.
Some of Zimbabwe’s largest lithium operations include the Arcadia Lithium Mine in Goromonzi, Bikita Minerals, the Kamativi Lithium and Tantalite Project, and the Sabi Star Mine in Buhera.
