Zimbabwe approves minerals value chain framework

Zimbabwe's Cabinet has approved a sweeping Minerals Value Chain framework aimed at transforming the country from a raw mineral exporter into a competitive industrial manufacturing hub.

The announcement was made by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda following a Cabinet meeting where the framework was presented by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

According to Minister Soda, the policy seeks to maximise national earnings from mineral resources while driving beneficiation, industrialisation and job creation across the economy.

"Cabinet has adopted a robust framework aimed at transitioning Zimbabwe from a primary resource extraction and exportation entity to a globally competitive minerals-based industrial manufacturing hub," he said.

The framework is structured around four key pillars covering the entire minerals value chain — from extraction to export.

These include the introduction of mineral-specific standards and mandatory value-added compliance certificates for exports, the establishment of national analytical laboratories, a mine-to-market smart tracking system, and the development of integrated special economic zones.

Under the new system, exporters will be required to obtain a value-added compliance certificate before receiving export permits, a move aimed at curbing the export of raw minerals and ensuring local processing.

Government also plans to establish a decentralised network of specialised mineral research and analytical hubs at universities and scientific institutions to reduce reliance on foreign laboratories.

Among the designated institutions, the University of Zimbabwe will serve as the apex hub through a National Mineral Research Centre focusing on lithium, rare earth elements and uranium.

The National University of Science and Technology and Great Zimbabwe University will anchor platinum group metals and battery minerals, while Midlands State University will focus on iron ore, chrome and vanadium.

Other institutions include Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences for diamonds and gemmology, Chinhoyi University of Technology and Bindura University of Science Education for industrial minerals, and Gwanda State University for artisanal and small-scale mining support. The Zimbabwe School of Mines will act as a central training hub.

A key feature of the framework is a mine-to-market tracking system that will provide real-time monitoring of mineral consignments from extraction to export, aimed at eliminating leakages, under-declaration and illegal diversion.

The fourth pillar focuses on the creation of integrated special economic zones, where investors will be directed to regional hubs designed to support beneficiation and large-scale industrial operations.

Cabinet has already approved eight regional mineral beneficiation hubs across the country, targeting sectors such as battery minerals and metallurgical processing.

Minister Soda said the framework will be supported by key enablers including reliable energy supply, incentives for self-generation of power, environmental and governance standards, and strengthened institutional capacity within the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

He added that Cabinet also approved a consolidated legal framework to support the implementation of the minerals value chain strategy.