Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in KADOMA
Zimbabwe’s push to move up the global lithium value chain is gathering momentum, with at least four lithium sulphate processing plants expected to be operational before the end of the year.
This comes as the Government intensifies efforts to promote value addition and beneficiation in the mining sector.
The development follows a ban on the export of raw lithium concentrates introduced to compel producers to process the strategic mineral locally — a move authorities say will unlock greater economic value and position the country as a key player in the global battery minerals market.
Speaking at a one‑day stakeholder workshop on energy minerals convened by the Parliament of Zimbabwe Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development in Kadoma on Saturday, Mines and Mining Development Permanent Secretary Pfungwa Kunaka said the policy shift forms part of a broader strategy to drive beneficiation and industrialisation in Zimbabwe’s fast‑growing lithium sector.
The workshop, organised by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development in partnership with ActionAid Zimbabwe, brought together Government officials, lawmakers, industry players and civil society organisations to deliberate on the future of Zimbabwe’s energy minerals sector.
“Globally, the world has moved up the value chain, and increasing what we get from lithium has become a priority that we cannot delay,” said Mr Kunaka.
The export restrictions, he said, were deliberately crafted to push producers beyond the production of lithium concentrates towards higher‑value lithium salts and ultimately battery‑grade chemicals used in modern energy‑storage technologies.
“If you say we are not going to export concentrates, it means producers are forced to look into processing beyond concentrates,” he said.
Government has already begun seeing positive responses from investors, with several processing plants either under construction or nearing completion.
Among the projects expected to drive the next phase of lithium beneficiation are facilities linked to Bikita Minerals, as well as projects in Goromonzi, Arcadia and Kamativi.
“These plants will produce lithium sulphates and related compounds, which are critical intermediate products in the manufacturing of lithium batteries,” said Mr Kunaka.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development, Remigio Mtangira, said the workshop forms part of an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into energy minerals that began in 2025.
“The Committee is now nearing completion of its enquiry and will soon conduct field visits to mining areas to engage communities and other stakeholders affected by energy‑mineral activities,” he said.
Hon Mtangira said energy minerals such as coal and lithium play an important role in Zimbabwe’s economy through electricity generation and foreign‑currency earnings.
However, he said the Committee was also examining concerns raised by industry players regarding the fiscal regime governing the sector.
“As a Committee, we support value addition and beneficiation because this creates jobs and wealth for the country. At the same time, communities living near mining operations must benefit from the resources found in their areas in line with the Constitution,” he said.
Meanwhile, ActionAid Zimbabwe country director Dr Selina Pasirayi said the growing global demand for energy minerals presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabwe holds significant deposits of minerals that are attracting global investment, but it is important that these resources are governed in ways that ensure communities benefit fairly while ecosystems are protected,” she said.
Members of Parliament attending the workshop also backed the ban on raw lithium exports.
Dzivaresekwa legislator Mr Edwin Mushoriwa said the decision was long overdue.
“The ban should have been effected about four years ago. It is a necessary step if Zimbabwe is to benefit fully from its lithium resources. This ban must never be reversed because exporting raw minerals deprives the country of jobs, skills and industrial growth,” he said.
Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s largest producers of lithium and has attracted significant global interest as demand for battery minerals surges with the global shift towards electric mobility and renewable‑energy technologies.
Government officials say the long‑term vision is to move beyond lithium salts to battery‑grade chemicals and eventually establish downstream industries such as lithium‑battery manufacturing within the country.
