Zimbabwe Sets Lithium Export Quotas and Local Processing Requirements

Zimbabwe to impose lithium concentrate export quotas and mandate local processing by 2027

Zimbabwe will introduce export quotas for lithium concentrates and require mining companies to commit to local processing plans as conditions for resuming mineral exports, the mines ministry has informed producers.

Africa’s top lithium producer suspended exports of lithium concentrates and other unprocessed minerals on February 26, citing alleged malpractices and mineral leakages.

In a letter dated April 2 to the Chamber of Mines, the ministry outlined conditions for resuming exports, including the publication of annual financial statements and compliance with labour, safety, and environmental standards.

“Approved lithium concentrate export quotas will be communicated to each producer,” the ministry stated.

Companies are also expected to provide written commitments with timelines for establishing lithium sulphate plants before January 1, 2027.

A 10% export tax will remain in place for lithium concentrate shipments until a complete ban on concentrate exports in January 2027 takes effect.

Chinese mining firms dominate Zimbabwe’s lithium sector, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine, Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua, and Tsingshan Holding Group, reinforcing China’s influence in the global battery metal supply chain.

In 2025, Zimbabwe exported 1.128 million metric tons of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate to China, representing roughly 15% of China’s annual lithium concentrate imports.

Huayou has recently completed a $400-million lithium sulphate plant, enabling the conversion of concentrates into intermediate products such as lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate for battery-grade materials.

Sinomine and Yahua have also announced plans for lithium sulphate plants at their Zimbabwe operations, supporting the government’s push for greater local value addition.