Online Reporter
Martin Kadzere, Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE’S mineral exports rose by 10 percent in the 11 months to November 2025, primarily driven by a resurgence in Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), data from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) show.
MMCZ facilitated the sale of 4,4 million tonnes of minerals valued at US$3,04 billion during the period to November 2025, compared to four million tonnes worth US$2,8 billion in the same period last year.
Export earnings from PGM matte surged to US$1,3 billion from 35,818 tonnes, a significant jump from US$875,6 million in the same period in 2024. While volumes rose by 10 percent, the revenue spike was largely driven by stronger global prices for platinum, palladium and rhodium.
However, performance within the cluster was mixed. PGM concentrate, while still a top contributor at 8,63 percent of total revenue, saw earnings fall to US$262,5 million, down from US$494,4 million in the prior year due to lower export volumes.
Spodumene accounted for 15,75 percent of total export earnings, reflecting Zimbabwe’s growing integration into the global battery minerals supply chain. High carbon ferrochrome sales reached US$333,1 million, an 11 percent increase in volume and a six percent improvement in value year-on-year. Coke sales volumes rose by seven percent, generating US$162,9 million.
“MMCZ remains confident of achieving its 2025 performance targets,” said MMCZ general manager Dr Nomsa Moyo, in a speech read on her behalf by MMCZ marketing manager Gumisai Nenzou at a media reception last Friday.
“Positive momentum is expected into 2026, supported by firmer commodity prices, continued focus on market diversification, strengthened compliance, beneficiation and value addition in line with Vision 2030.”
Beyond sales, MMCZ has invested in domestic capacity through the retooling of the Zimbabwe School of Mines and Government laboratories.
The corporation also recently funded the construction of a double-storey classroom block at Gangarabwe Primary School in Hurungwe, Mashonaland West Province, as part of its social responsibility mandate.
To safeguard mineral resources against smuggling, MMCZ has intensified its monitoring and enforcement framework. The corporation has trained 31 employees as certified drone pilots for enhanced mineral surveillance and deployed inspectors at all major exit border posts, including Beitbridge and Forbes.
“We have introduced independent sampling and assaying prior to processing export documentation,” Dr Moyo said, adding that more inspectors are expected to be deployed in 2026.
This is supported by strengthened inter-agency enforcement with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit to enhance mineral resource accounting.
