Key Minerals in Africa: Zimbabwe, a Hotspot for Chinese Investment, Eases Lithium Export Ban with Quota System to Push for Local Processing Transformation

¬ Six major producers granted export quotas under stricter oversight

¬ The policy aims to curb fraud and standardize lithium transportation

¬ Government urges companies to invest in local processing before 2027

Zimbabwe has begun easing the lithium concentrate export ban implemented in February, introducing a quota system for selected producers as part of broader efforts to regulate the industry and advance local value addition.

Minister of Mines Polite Kamambo confirmed on April 14 that the government has approved export quotas for certain large-scale producers. This move aims to protect existing investments while supporting the country’s long-term goal of moving up the value chain.

Under the new framework, six companies—mostly controlled by Chinese enterprise groups—have been granted permission to enter the export market. These are: China Minmetals Group (Bikita), Chengxin Lithium (Sabi Star), Sichuan Yahua (Kamativi), Huayou Cobalt (Arcadia), Qingshan Group (Gwanda), and Kuvimba Mining (Sandawana).

Although individual company quotas have not yet been disclosed, authorities stated that exports will face tighter regulation, including controls on volume, tonnage, and shipment quantities. This marks a shift from the previous system, which granted operators greater flexibility.

Zimbabwe is Africa’s largest lithium producer and plays a crucial role in supplying lithium to China. In 2025, Zimbabwe exported approximately 1.13 million tons of spodumene concentrate to China, accounting for about 15% of China’s imports. The impact of the quota system remains uncertain, particularly amid oversupply in the Chinese market.

Authorities said this reform aims to clean up the industry by reducing fraudulent practices such as underreporting production and cracking down on informal intermediaries.

In addition to export controls, this policy is part of a wider strategy to enhance local value-added capacity. The government requires producers to build lithium sulfate processing plants by January 2027—a deadline that may coincide with the planned full ban on concentrate exports after domestic processing capacity is established.

The government said it is working with producers to develop roadmaps that include processing facilities, mandatory mineral declarations prior to export, and additional infrastructure to separate valuable materials during lithium transport.

Several companies, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, China Minmetals Group, and Sichuan Yahua, have already announced plans to invest in local processing. However, it remains unclear how authorities will handle operators failing to meet these requirements.

Lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, is becoming central to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, alongside platinum group metals, gold, chromium, and diamonds.

Source: ecofinagency

Original: toutiao.com/article/1862666207373315/

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