Zimbabwe bans raw exports of 14 metals

Published: 3 hours ago

Zimbabwe has formally classified 14 minerals as "critical" and banned the export of all raw or unbeneficiated forms, in a sweeping policy shift aimed at boosting local value addition and increasing state participation in the mining sector.

The declaration was signed on May 22, 2026 by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, marking the first comprehensive written framework governing the country's critical minerals strategy.

The move follows a sharp increase in lithium earnings, which rose by 106 percent to US$178.6 million despite only a marginal increase in export volumes, highlighting the government's push toward beneficiation rather than raw exports.

The list of 14 critical minerals includes lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, copper, rare earth elements, chrome, platinum group metals, manganese, antimony, uranium, ruthenium, tungsten and niobium.

Metallurgical coal has been designated a "special critical mineral," while limestone, potash, phosphorus, iron ore, pyrites, oil and gas, coal, gold and diamonds are classified as strategic minerals.

Under the new framework, no critical mineral may be exported in raw form unless authorised under a transitional beneficiation plan approved by the minister, with clear timelines for local processing.

The policy also introduces mandatory state shareholding in critical mineral projects, to be held through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), although the exact percentages will be determined in subsequent regulations.

Officials say the approach is intended to ensure greater national benefit from mineral resources while encouraging investment in domestic processing facilities.

The declaration also sets out criteria for determining "critical" minerals, including supply chain vulnerability, global demand levels, potential for domestic manufacturing, employment creation, and scarcity.

Government data shows that lithium has been the clearest example of the beneficiation strategy's impact, with export values rising sharply following restrictions on raw shipments earlier this year.

The ministry says further implementing regulations — including SPV structures, beneficiation thresholds and enforcement mechanisms — will be issued within 90 days.

Mining companies operating in Zimbabwe will now be required to prioritise local processing, with export licences tied to compliance with beneficiation requirements.

The policy shift positions Zimbabwe as one of the most assertive resource nationalism regimes in Southern Africa, with authorities insisting the focus is now on value addition rather than raw extraction.
- Mining Zimbabwe

Tags: Minerals,