Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga, [email protected]
PROSPECT Lithium Zimbabwe has started exporting its first lithium sulphate batch from its US$400 million processing plant, marking the country’s inaugural production of lithium salt and a major step in advancing Government policy on local beneficiation.
This comes as the Second Republic intensifies efforts to ensure Zimbabwe derives maximum value from its mineral resources by shifting from raw exports to in-country processing.
In February this year, the Government suspended the export of lithium concentrates and other raw minerals as part of a broader strategy to enhance accountability, promote beneficiation and strengthen value retention across the mining sector.
The policy thrust is in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leveraging Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth to drive industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
Posting on its X platform (formerly Twitter) on Monday, PLZ described the development as a landmark achievement for both Zimbabwe and the region.
“This inaugural shipment represents the first lithium salt produced in Zimbabwe, marking a major step forward in mineral beneficiation and industrialisation.
“This is more than just a shipment; it is a testament to Zimbabwe’s innovation and Africa’s growing role in the global energy transition.”
PLZ, which operates the Arcadia Lithium Mine in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province, is wholly owned by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, a major Chinese mining company.
Responding to questions from this publication, PLZ public relations manager Mrs Patience Chizodza confirmed that construction of the processing facility designed to produce 80 000 tonnes of lithium sulphate annually, had been completed — with the first export dispatched over the weekend.
Lithium sulphate is an inorganic salt primarily used in producing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, as well as manufacturing specialised glass and ceramics, and treating bipolar disorder.
It acts as a precursor for lithium hydroxide, enhances the performance of batteries, and acts as a flux to lower melting temperatures in glass production.
“Construction is complete — first export (lithium sulphate) was this weekend. We are not at liberty yet to disclose tonnage, but we received our quota from the ministry under the new framework,” she said.
Following the export ban, the Government introduced a quota system for lithium producers under strict conditions, designed to safeguard resources while allowing continued operations during the transition to full beneficiation.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura has indicated that the export of lithium concentrates will be phased out entirely by January 2027, by which time all producers are expected to have established processing facilities.
“We can only open this after January 1, 2027. For now, we are issuing export quotas to avoid disruptions while beneficiation capacity is being developed,” he is on record saying.
Zimbabwe, which holds the largest lithium reserves in Africa and ranks among the top globally, is positioning the mineral as a key pillar of its mining-led growth strategy and green energy industrialisation drive.
The mining sector remains central to the economy, contributing over 12 percent to Gross Domestic Product and accounting for more than 80 percent of export earnings, with revenues rising significantly in recent years.
Under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the Government is prioritising the transition from the production of lithium sulphate to carbonate and lithium hydroxide, which are critical inputs in battery manufacturing.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube is on record saying the growth of the lithium industry under NDS1 contributed to broader expansion within the mining industry.
This was largely driven by investment inflows that supported the opening of new mines, the resuscitation of closed operations and the expansion of existing ones across the country.
