The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has suspended the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect, and the ban will remain in place until further notice.
Honourable Dr. Polite Kambamura, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, announced the development in a press statement today.
The statement cited that this development is meant for national interest and a push for in-country value addition.
The suspension, which includes minerals in transit, applies to all stakeholders, with ZIMRA, MMCZ, and regulators instructed to enforce the ban without exception.
According to a statement released by the Ministry, only mining companies with valid titles and approved beneficiation plants will be allowed to export minerals, with agents and third-party traders barred from doing so on behalf of title holders.
The Ministry outlined new requirements for export eligibility, including a recommendation letter from the Provincial Mining Office confirming beneficiation capacity and compliance status, as well as declaration of mineral composition of export consignments.
“The Ministry will at any time test to verify the mineral composition of each consignment,” the statement read.
According to the government, the move is aimed at enhancing mineral accountability, promoting beneficiation, and maximizing value retention in Zimbabwe.
“Continuous use of an expired or already exhausted export permit is a serious offense that warrants withdraw of export permit and mining title,” also read the statement.
The Ministry assured stakeholders that it would engage with the industry on new expectations and a way forward, reiterating its commitment to transparency and compliance in the export of mineral resources.
The suspension is seen as a major shift in government policy, with implications for the country’s mining sector.
Story by Chiedza Nyabadza
