Zimbabwe govt probes illicit mineral ore exports

Authorities have launched an investigation into suspected smuggling of raw mineral ores out of Zimbabwe in possible violation of a national blanket ban on the export of unprocessed minerals.

The probe follows concerns that, despite stricter regulations introduced in 2023, some high-value mineral ores may still be leaving the country through unauthorised channels. The investigation was initiated at the behest of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Government imposed the ban as part of broader measures to promote domestic value addition, retain more economic benefits within the country and curb revenue losses associated with exporting raw minerals.

Sources within the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development said that in mid-December last year, a joint team of ministry officials and representatives from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) travelled to Mozambique, where they made what was described as a shocking discovery.

The delegation reportedly found stockpiles of mineral ores at the Port of Beira and in nearby warehouses, prompting questions about their origin and legality.

"The team sought to establish whether the minerals stockpiled at the Port of Beira had been exported from Zimbabwe through legal channels, what minerals they were and whether they originated from Zimbabwe, given the blanket ban on the export of mineral ores, except for lithium," said a source.

"It was established that they were indeed stockpiles of Zimbabwean mineral ores relating to different minerals and stored in warehouses."

Following the discovery, the Zimbabwean delegation engaged Mozambican authorities, who expressed concern over the presence of the minerals on their territory and indicated that they were unaware of the stockpiling.

"Mozambique expressed its readiness to ensure total compliance with the laws of Zimbabwe and SADC protocols, and pledged its willingness to cooperate fully with Zimbabwean investigators," the source added.

Presidential spokesperson and Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba, confirmed that the matter was discussed at a high-level meeting involving Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi, who is standing in for President Mnangagwa, currently on leave.

"Upon consultation, His Excellency the President directed that the development be immediately investigated, hence the dispatch of the team," Mr Charamba said.

He reiterated Government's firm position on mining and the export of raw minerals.

"In terms of Government policy, I wish to remind everyone involved in mining, as well as our law enforcement agencies manning ports of entry, that Government imposed a blanket ban on the exportation of mineral ore to ensure greater value addition within the country," he said.

Mr Charamba noted that clear benchmarks had been set for each mineral, with lithium being the only current exemption. Even then, he said Government had encouraged lithium miners to work with local beneficiation facilities at Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe in Goromonzi and Bikita Minerals.

"Government has made it clear that by January 2027, no lithium ore will be allowed to leave the country," he said.

He warned that if investigations confirm that the mineral stockpiles in Beira fall under the export ban and were smuggled out without authorisation, decisive action would be taken.

"In the event that the stockpiles in Beira are found to relate to minerals to which this ban applies and that they left our territory without the necessary permission, Government, working closely with the sister Republic of Mozambique, will ensure that the breach is addressed swiftly and without fear or favour," Mr Charamba said.

President Mnangagwa has repeatedly urged the mining sector to prioritise beneficiation and value addition as a way of ending Zimbabwe's heavy reliance on exporting raw minerals.

Experts note that while mineral commodities account for more than 60 percent of the country's exports, increased beneficiation could significantly boost the sector's contribution to socio-economic development and support re-industrialisation efforts aimed at building a more integrated and resilient economy.