Zimbabwe sets strict conditions for lifting lithium export ban

Zimbabwe's government has introduced stringent requirements that lithium producers must meet before the current ban on lithium concentrate exports is lifted, in a move aimed at boosting local beneficiation, improving transparency, and strengthening worker welfare standards.

In a letter addressed to the Chamber of Mines and copied to lithium mining companies, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura outlined a series of conditions described as prerequisites for lifting the ban on lithium concentrate exports.

The measures reflect government's broader strategy to ensure greater value addition from the country's mineral resources, particularly lithium, which has become increasingly important in global energy transition supply chains.

Among the key requirements, companies must provide written commitments to establish local beneficiation facilities for the separation of all economic minerals prior to export.

Producers are also required to fully declare all minerals contained in export consignments for tax compliance purposes and ensure complete acquittal of export proceeds.

The government further requires mining firms to publish annual financial statements starting from 31 December 2025, as part of enhanced transparency measures.

In addition, companies must commit to establishing lithium sulphate processing plants to approved standards by 1 January 2027.

The letter also mandates the establishment of two internationally accredited laboratories within Zimbabwe to serve the broader mining sector, as well as assay laboratories at each producing mine within three months of the directive.

A 10 percent beneficiation export tax on lithium concentrate exports will also be implemented.

On labour and welfare issues, mining companies are expected to provide adequate accommodation for workers and align salaries with National Employment Council (NEC) minimum standards for the mining industry.

The Ministry further indicated that approved export quotas will be allocated to each producer, while companies must submit monthly progress reports through a ministerial committee to monitor compliance.

Additionally, all mines are required to establish Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) departments to address workplace safety and environmental concerns.

The government said future lithium investments will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with the same conditions applied where applicable, signalling a continued tightening of regulatory oversight in the sector.