Export control on Lithium ore in Zimbabwe

As part of the policy to favour local processing, Zimbabwe was the first African country to issue a prohibition of exports of lithium bearing ore or unbeneficiated lithium in December 2022 through the Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Lithium Bearing Ores) Order, 2022. The export may be conducted only under a written permit granted by the Minister. 

Later, on 10 June 2025, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando announced during a media briefing a ban of on lithium concentrates as of 1 January 2027. Therefore, starting on that date only lithium sulphates and higher products will be allowed to be exported. 

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