The Government has announced an immediate suspension of all raw mineral and lithium concentrate exports, in a move aimed at protecting Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth, promote domestic beneficiation and curb illicit mineral outflows.
Addressing journalists in Harare today, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Polite Kambamura, stressed that the move is in the country’s national interest.
“Government has suspended export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect until further notice. This suspension includes all minerals currently in transit,” Dr Kambamura said.
He added that agencies such as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) have been directed to enforce the suspension without exception.
Under the new regulations, only mining companies with valid titles and approved beneficiation plants will be allowed to export processed minerals.
“Agents and third-party traders are prohibited from exporting minerals on behalf of title holders,” the Minister warned.
The new export permit requirements further reinforce accountability as applicants must now provide a recommendation from the relevant Provincial Mining Office confirming their beneficiation capacity and compliance status, along with a declaration of mineral composition for each consignment.
“The Ministry reserves the right to conduct independent verification tests on any shipment,” Dr Kambamura said, adding that non-compliance will result in permit denial.
The Minister also stressed that strict enforcement will follow-up. “Any exports without valid permits will be denied clearance. Continuing to use an expired or exhausted export permit is now a serious offence that could lead to the withdrawal of both the export permit and the underlying mining title,” he said.
Appealing to the mining industry to embrace the reforms, Dr Kambura explained that the changes were for national interest.
“Zimbabwe’s mineral resources are a national treasure. These measures are in the national interest, to enhance mineral accountability, promote beneficiation, and maximise value retention within Zimbabwe.”
The Ministry also announced plans to engage industry stakeholders in the coming weeks to discuss the implementation of the new regulations and ensure that the country fully benefits from its mineral wealth.
