By: Joseph Jeremia
Zimbabwe is Africa’s top lithium producer, with 2.4 million tons of concentrate in 2024. The SADC nation plans to stop exporting lithium concentrate from January 2027.
The goal of this move is to develop a local processing industry that can create more local value from the mineral.
Mining Minister, Winston Chitando, announced the decision last week Tuesday. He said the move aligns with ongoing lithium sulfate plant projects, particularly those led by Chinese companies Sinomine and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt. These are firms building processing plants at the Bikita and Arcadia mines.
Lithium sulfate is made by refining lithium concentrate and is used to produce high-value battery-grade chemicals like lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide.
Chitando said that with processing capacity being added, Zimbabwe will no longer allow exports of unprocessed concentrate starting in 2027.
“Because of that capacity which is now in the country, the export of all lithium concentrates will be banned from January 2027,” he stated.
The Zimbabwean government has invited all mining firms to submit plans to build their own sulfate plants. The option remains open, but Chitando also encouraged firms to secure processing agreements with companies that will own these new plants.
This step is aimed at maximising revenues from Zimbabwe’s lithium reserves by shifting exports towards value-added products.
Namibian Economist, Almandro, believes the decision by Zimbabwe is a game-changer and hopes countries like Namibia and others can replicate. He urges African countries to limit the export of raw materials.
“It’s a very good move for Zimbabwe to do this, as it opens up a window of opportunities for neighboring countries…I think we can also do the same with our resources” he claimed, “Listen, we are no longer on the trend of exporting our raw materials, we want to export value added goods.”
However, Almandro has cautioned Zimbabwe that the decision has advantages and disadvantages and should be treated with care. He has further urged Namibia to make use of their uranium and make a bold decision, claiming that, “In order to win, you have to take a risk.”
The announcement by Zimbabwe comes shortly after mining companies requested the government to delay implementing a 5% tax on concentrate exports.
They argued the tax should only apply once the new plants are fully built and operational by 2027. However, the government has not yet responded to the request.
