Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe has stopped all shipments of unprocessed minerals with immediate effect, the mines ministry announced on Wednesday, extending a planned lithium curb to every raw ore as authorities press for domestic refining. Official statements indicate the order covers every mineral already on trucks or at the border and will stay until authorities lift it. Mines Minister Polite Kambamura said the step “has been taken in the national interest” and called for full industry cooperation.
The government stated the freeze is meant to guarantee “transparency, in-country value addition and beneficiation” before any cargo leaves the country. Local reports note the ban also brings forward a lithium concentrate embargo that had been scheduled for January 2027. Zimbabwe holds the continent’s largest known lithium reserves and until now has sent most of its spodumene to China for processing.
Mining accounts for roughly one — seventh of national gross domestic product. Sources close to the matter said exporters were told late Tuesday that no new customs clearances for raw ores would be issued. It remains unclear how long the suspension will last or whether firms with active contracts will receive exemptions.
Further details are expected once the ministry releases implementation guidelines.
