Zimcodd supports government's raw lithium export restrictions

This follows concerns that Zimbabwe has been losing billions of United States dollars annually through raw lithium exports. Building on a raw lithium export ban introduced in February, the government recently imposed additional conditions to maximize local value addition. These measures are designed to curb raw lithium exports and encourage mining companies to invest in local processing and beneficiation, thereby increasing revenue for Zimbabwe and improving transparency and labor standards in the sector.

Zimcodd views these conditions as a necessary step to address a sector historically marked by opacity and the export of national wealth. The new conditions require mining firms to commit to establishing beneficiation facilities, developing lithium sulfate plants by January 2027, and setting up internationally accredited laboratories within three months. They also mandate full declaration of all minerals in export consignments and the publication of annual financial statements from December 2025.

Export quotas will be allocated on a producer-by-producer basis, and companies must improve worker welfare. Zimcodd emphasized that the success of this framework depends on effective implementation and oversight, ensuring benefits reach ordinary Zimbabweans, particularly women, youth, and rural communities near mines.