Zimbabwe’s government has announced strict conditions that lithium producers must meet before the current ban on lithium concentrate exports can be lifted. The new requirements emphasise local beneficiation, financial transparency, and worker welfare, reflecting the government’s broader goal of maximising value from the country’s lithium resources.
In a letter seen by Mining Zimbabwe, addressed to the Chamber of Mines and copied to all Lithium companies, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura outlined the prerequisites for lifting the ban.
HERE IS THE LETTER IN FULL
CONDITIONS FOR LIFTING LITHIUM CONCENTRATE BAN
I refer to your submissions and representations over the current Government ban on the export of lithium concentrates. I wish to advise that after wide consultations at the highest level, we came up with the following as pre-requisite conditions for lifting the lithium concentrate export ban.
Written commitment to building beneficiation facilities for local separation of all economic minerals before export.
Mandatory Declaration [for tax compliance] of all other minerals contained in the export consignment and full acquittal of export proceeds.
Written commitment to publish company annual financial statements for the period commencing 31st December 2025, onwards.
Written commitment on dedicated timelines to set up lithium sulphate plants. Lithium sulphates plants to be of standard approved by the Minister, and to be set up by 01 January 2027.
Written commitment to set up two internationally accredited laboratories in the country, to cater for the entire mining industry.
10% beneficiation tax (export tax) to be effected on all lithium concentrates exports.
Firm written commitment to build decent accommodation facilities for local employees and adjust salaries as per minimum National Employment Council (NEC) for the Mining Industry.
Approved lithium concentrate export quotas will be communicated to each producer.
Written commitment to give monthly progress reports through a committee to be set up by the Minister.
Written commitment to set up Assay Laboratories at each producing mine within the next 3 months from date of this letter.
To set up Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) departments at each mine to address work-related accidents and environmental issues occurring at mines.
Please note that new/future investments in the lithium sector will have the conditions applied on a case-by-case basis.
