Zimbabwe Suspends Exports Of All Raw Materials
Zimbabwe has suspended exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect.
The decision, announced by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development on 25th February 2026 is aimed at curbing leakages, improving oversight and accelerating domestic processing of strategic resources.
The decision also applies to all minerals currently in transit and will remain in place until further notice. Authorities say the measure is in the national interest and is intended to strengthen transparency, compliance and accountability in the export of the country’s mineral wealth.
Officials indicated the suspension forms part of a broader review of export procedures following concerns about continued malpractices in the shipment of minerals. Government said it will engage mining companies on new expectations as it realigns the sector toward greater efficiency and value retention.
The export ban on lithium concentrates had previously been scheduled to take effect in 2027 as part of a long-term strategy to encourage miners to refine minerals locally. Bringing the timeline forward signals a more aggressive push to ensure more value is captured within Zimbabwe rather than overseas.
Authorities argue that domestic beneficiation and turning raw minerals into higher-value products before export is critical if the country is to benefit fully from the global transition to cleaner energy.
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