Zimbabwe’s lithium export earnings have grown from US$1.8 million in 2018 to US$500 million in 2025, reflecting the expansion of the country’s lithium industry and its growing role in supplying China’s battery-materials market.
Minister Counsellor from the Department of West Asian and African Affairs in China’s Ministry of Commerce, Han Bing, projected that Zimbabwe’s lithium export earnings could reach US$1 billion in 2026.
“Zimbabwe’s lithium export earnings could reach US$1 billion in 2026. The sector generated US$746 million in export earnings during the first half of this year,” he said.
Minerals remain a major component of Zimbabwe’s exports to China, alongside tobacco, stone products and ferrochrome, while Chinese investment in lithium mining and processing is supporting efforts to increase domestic value addition.
Several Chinese companies are investing in facilities designed to process lithium into higher-value products before export, marking a shift beyond the traditional shipment of unprocessed or partially processed mineral concentrates.
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, which operates Arcadia Lithium in Goromonzi, has invested in mining and processing operations, including a US$400 million lithium sulphate plant with a reported annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes.
According to information presented by the Chinese side, the facility began operations in April 2026 and has already shipped its first consignment to China.
Meanwhile, Sinomine Resources Group, which operates Bikita Minerals in Masvingo Province, is developing a lithium sulphate processing plant with a reported annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes. The facility is expected to begin operations in 2027.
At Kamativi in Matabeleland North, Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group is developing another lithium sulphate plant with a reported annual capacity of 75,000 tonnes.
Chengxin Lithium Group, through its Sabi Star operation, is also contributing to Zimbabwe’s expanding lithium industry.
The investments come as Zimbabwe seeks to capture greater value from its mineral resources by expanding local processing capacity and strengthening its position in the global battery-materials supply chain.
The development of lithium sulphate facilities is expected to increase the range of lithium products processed locally, although the extent of the economic benefits will depend on production levels, export performance and the degree of value addition retained within the country.
