Zimbabwe Implements Export Controls on Critical Minerals for Green Energy
Zimbabwe designates critical minerals for export, shareholding controls

Image: The Star
The Zimbabwean government has classified lithium and other essential minerals as critical, introducing shareholding and export controls to enhance local beneficiation. This includes strict regulations on the export of unprocessed minerals, aiming to boost local employment and economic growth through strategic resource management.
- 01Lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other minerals are now classified as critical minerals in Zimbabwe.
- 02The classification is based on factors like supply chain vulnerability and local reserves.
- 03A mandatory minimum shareholding in mineral exploitation will be enforced by the government.
- 04Export of classified minerals in raw form requires ministerial approval under a transitional plan.
- 05Metallurgical coal is designated as a special critical mineral, while other resources like gold and diamonds are strategic.
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On May 22, 2023, the Zimbabwean government, led by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, announced the designation of lithium and other high-value minerals as critical minerals, subject to new shareholding and export controls. The newly classified critical minerals include nickel, cobalt, graphite, copper, rare earth elements, chrome, platinum group metals, manganese, antimony, uranium, ruthenium, tungsten, and niobium. Additionally, metallurgical coal has been classified as a special critical mineral. Other resources such as limestone, potash, phosphorus, iron ore, pyrites, oil, gas, coal, gold, and diamonds are now considered strategic minerals. The classification aims to address supply chain vulnerabilities and enhance local employment through downstream beneficiation. Kambamura emphasized that the government will maintain a mandatory minimum shareholding in the exploitation of these minerals via designated special-purpose vehicles. Furthermore, strict export controls will be implemented, prohibiting the export of any classified minerals in their raw or unbeneficiated form without ministerial authorization, which will require a transitional plan outlining a timeline for local processing beyond the concentrate stage.
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The new regulations are expected to create local jobs and promote economic growth by ensuring that more mineral resources are processed within Zimbabwe.
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