Bikita Minerals, a subsidiary of Sinomine Resource Group, has resumed lithium concentrate exports after securing an export licence from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Mines and Mining Development under the country’s new lithium export framework.
In a statement yesterday, Bikita Minerals described the approval as a significant step in aligning its operations with Government policy while strengthening investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
“Bikita Minerals has resumed lithium concentrate exports after securing an export licence from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Mines and Mining Development under the country’s new lithium export framework,” the company said.
The company said the resumption of exports demonstrates its commitment to responsible mining practices, regulatory compliance and sustainable development.
“The development marks a milestone in our commitment to responsible mining, transparency and value addition,” Bikita Minerals said.
Zimbabwe, which holds some of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits, has in recent years moved to tighten regulations around raw mineral exports as part of broader plans to develop local processing industries and maximise export earnings from strategic minerals critical to the global energy transition.
Against this background, Bikita Minerals revealed that it is moving ahead with plans to establish a major lithium processing facility in the country.
“Bikita Minerals is also advancing plans for a US$400 million lithium sulphate processing plant in Zimbabwe ahead of the 2027 deadline on unprocessed lithium exports, with preliminary works already underway,” the company said.
The company also highlighted its growing contribution to employment creation and local livelihoods.
“We currently support nearly 1,500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect livelihoods as we continue focusing on sustainable economic development and beneficiation.
Our long-term strategy is centred on responsible resource extraction, community development and supporting Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda through increased local processing of minerals,” Bikita Minerals added.
Meanwhile, the proposed plant is expected to significantly enhance local beneficiation by processing lithium into higher-value products used in battery manufacturing and renewable energy technologies.
The investment could position Zimbabwe as a major player in the regional battery minerals value chain while creating new opportunities for industrialisation and downstream manufacturing.
