Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza
Senior Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S mining sector is on course to achieve strong export earnings and solid growth this year, supported by rising mineral prices and robust output in key commodities such as gold and lithium.
This is despite persistent challenges related to high operating costs and limited access to long-term capital.
Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Isaac Kwesu said the sector recorded a mixed production performance during the first quarter of 2026.
Some minerals posted significant gains while others continued to recover from operational and market challenges.
Addressing journalists ahead of the Chamber’s 2026 annual mining conference in Victoria Falls from June 17 to June 20, 2026, Mr Kwesu said gold production rose by 10 percent during the first quarter, while lithium output surged by 54 percent, highlighting the growing importance of the mineral to Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
“The 2026 sectoral performance in terms of production was relatively mixed, with minerals such as gold and lithium recording steady growth. Gold was up by 10 percent while lithium increased by 54 percent.
“Other minerals are still recovering, but this is normal. The first quarter is usually slower and we expect stronger performance from the third quarter onwards as producers recover lost ground,” he said.
Mr Kwesu said while production trends varied across commodities, stronger international mineral prices had significantly boosted export earnings, helping offset declines in output recorded in some segments of the industry.
“On the price side, we have seen most minerals recording increases in export earnings. Where there were production shortfalls, these were more than compensated for by higher prices.
“As a result, the first quarter recorded higher export earnings than the corresponding period in previous years,” he said.
Global commodity markets have remained favourable for most mining companies, with gold prices reaching record highs amid increased investor demand for safe-haven assets, while lithium and platinum group metals have also shown signs of recovery following a prolonged downturn.
Mr Kwesu said the continued strength in commodity prices would bolster mining sector performance beyond expectations by year-end.
