From Yahoo Finance.: 2025-06-11 07:23:00

Zimbabwe plans to prohibit the export of lithium concentrates starting in 2027, in a move to boost local processing capabilities. This decision follows an earlier ban on lithium ore exports in 2022, as part of efforts to encourage domestic processing in Africa’s top lithium-producing nation.

Lithium sulphate plants are being developed by Bikita Minerals and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, owned by Sinomine and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, respectively. These plants will produce an intermediate product that can be refined into essential battery-grade materials like lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate.

Despite ambitious local processing plans, Zimbabwe had to adapt its policies when lithium prices dropped in 2023. The government initially gave lithium miners until March 2024 to submit plans for local refineries, but adjusted its stance due to market conditions.

Chinese companies, including Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua Group, and Canmax Technologies, have invested over $1bn since 2021 in acquiring and developing lithium projects in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean miners, represented by Zimbabwe Lithium Exporters, are requesting a postponement of the 5% export tax on lithium concentrate until 2027, to align with the expected operational date of sulphate production facilities.



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