By ETimes
HARARE – ZIMBABWE has banned the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect, including shipments already in transit, in a bid to boost local processing.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development announced the ban on Wednesday, stating the measure was taken in the national interest to ensure value addition and accountability in the sector.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) and other regulators have been instructed to enforce the suspension without exception.
“The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development wishes to advise all stakeholders that Government has suspended export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect until further notice,” Mines and Mineral Development Minister Polite Kambamura said in a statement.
Following the suspension, the government outlined new stringent requirements for any future exports.
Only companies holding valid mining titles or approved beneficiation plants will be eligible, effectively banning agents and third-party traders.
Applicants must now provide recommendation letters from Provincial Mining Offices detailing their beneficiation capacity and compliance status, alongside a full declaration of the mineral composition of consignments.
Regulators have been directed to strictly enforce the new rules, with authorities warning that the use of expired permits or any non-compliant shipments will result in denial of clearance and could lead to the withdrawal of both export permits and mining titles.
The Ministry stated it will engage with the industry in the near future to elaborate on the new framework.
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