• Zimbabwe implements an immediate ban on all raw mineral and lithium concentrate exports.
• The ban applies to all minerals currently in transit and remains until further notice.
• Government aims to enhance local processing and value addition of minerals.
• The move reflects a global trend to secure rare earths and strategic minerals.
• The mining sector contributes significantly to Zimbabwe's GDP, accounting for 14.3% of output.

Zimbabwe has enforced an immediate ban on all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, according to the Mines Ministry's announcement. This measure affects all minerals currently in transit and will remain in place until further notice. Mines Minister Polite Kambamura emphasized that the government expects cooperation from the mining industry, stating the action has been taken "in the national interest," as reported by Al Jazeera.

The ban is aimed at addressing ongoing malpractices related to the exportation of minerals and ensuring greater accountability. Previously, the government had planned to implement a ban on lithium concentrate exports beginning January 2027, a move intended to encourage local processing. This shift towards tighter controls aligns with the global focus on securing access to essential minerals for green energy technologies and other critical sectors, according to Reuters and Africanews.

Zimbabwe holds Africa's largest lithium reserves, with the country significantly increasing lithium production in response to global demand. In the year ending December 2025, Zimbabwe exported approximately 1.128 million metric tons of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. The majority of these exports were sent to China, where they are further processed into battery-grade materials, as highlighted by reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Mining represents a crucial sector in Zimbabwe's economy, contributing 14.3% to the nation’s GDP. The government’s recent actions reflect its commitment to not only backing local processing initiatives but also ensuring that Zimbabwe benefits more from its natural resources, according to Africanews.