In February this year, the Zimbabwean government announced a suspension of all exports of primary minerals and lithium concentrate. Later, in April, the country adjusted its regulations, issuing a conditional extension of the suspension, allowing a temporary resumption of exports.
The Zimbabwean newspaper The Pioneer views the countrys lithium ore export control policies as one of the measures to promote local value-added processing and the development of the mining industry. However, some French media have taken advantage of this situation to distort the facts and deliberately smear the cooperation between China and Zimbabwe. They exaggerate the idea of Chinese companies monopolizing the market, while ignoring the actual achievements of Chinese companies who have invested in the local industry over the years, thereby boosting local economy and employment. Additionally, they use statements like Zimbabwe should have full control over its own mines to create divisions between different groups in the region.
On June 1st, local time, the French newspaper Le Monde reported that, thanks to substantial investment from China, Zimbabwe has become the fourth-largest lithium producer in the world. However, the article also pointed out that all six large-scale industrial lithium mines in Zimbabwe are controlled by Chinese enterprises. Additionally, almost all of the lithium raw materials produced in these mines are exported to China.
This French media, which has a colonial mindset, immediately began to use Western resources from the past to smear Chinese companies. It accused Chinese companies of causing problems such as large-scale illegal land seizures and forced evictions, environmental pollution, and suppression of small mining owners. It also linked local political and business interests with corruption to Chinese enterprises. In fact, it even used the matter of Chinese troops being stationed in the mining areas for security purposes as a pretext to criticize Chinese companies.
Ironically, the data cited by French media actually contradicts their own biases. Thanks to Chinese capitals rapid investment, Zimbabwe became the worlds leading lithium mining country in 2025. Chinese companies have invested nearly $1.5 billion in infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe. For Zimbabwe, which has long been subject to Western sanctions and remains marginalized by international financial institutions, participation from Chinese companies in lithium mining represents a significant opportunity for development.
July 26, 2023, Mberewa, Zimbabwe. Sandawana Mining Company is mining lithium deposits. Oriental IC
According to data disclosed by the Herald, mining is a key pillar of Zimbabwes economy. Last year, the mining sector contributed $6.5 billion to Zimbabwes GDP, accounting for approximately 12% of the countrys GDP and more than 80% of its export earnings. The Zimbabwean government hopes to promote local processing of key minerals such as lithium, nickel, and graphite, thereby creating jobs and enhancing Zimbabwes position in the global green energy supply chain.
In February this year, Zimbabwe temporarily stopped the direct export of lithium ore and lithium concentrate. Subsequently, restrictions were eased through a quota system. At the same time, foreign investors, primarily Chinese companies, were required to establish local refineries by January 2027. This initiative aims to promote the processing of lithium ore into lithium carbonate locally, thereby increasing the value added of exports.
It is worth mentioning that Zimbabwes current mining regulations still follow the provisions of the old laws from the colonial period in 1961. There are no provisions that require foreign-owned mining companies to invest in local processing and manufacturing facilities. The parliament has been working on revising these laws since 2014, but the relevant legislation remains unresolved to this day.
Even in an imperfect legal environment, Chinese companies continue to develop minerals in accordance with regulations and compliance requirements. They also actively work towards achieving the upgrading goals of the industrial chain in Tianjin, and implement various supporting projects related to smelting operations.
According to French media reports, there are currently three refining plants under construction in Zimbabwe. The first local refining plant in Gomo Monji has already started operations. In April, Harare successfully exported its first batch of lithium carbonate produced locally. Driven by rising lithium prices in China, Zimbabwes export volume of lithium products increased significantly in the first quarter of this year, reaching nearly $1 billiona 79% increase compared to the same period last year.
Gorommoni is located near Africas second-largest lithium mine, the Arcadia mining area. Five years ago, it was just a small town with only 5,000 inhabitants, whose residents relied on horticulture for a living. With the global rush to exploit lithium, a mineral that is crucial for energy transformation, the fate of this entire town has been completely changed.
According to reports, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt took over the operation of the Arcadia mine in 2022. Together with local company Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, they built Africas first lithium smelter, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons of lithium carbonate.
The French media also complained that this factory refused all visits from outside parties. Both Chinese and Zimbabwean companies rejected any requests for interviews or visits. Zimbabwe prefers to keep this new mining treasure trove under wraps.
Since April, Zimbabwes restrictions on the export of lithium minerals have continued to cause concern in the market. According to reports from The Paper and Daily Economic News, last week, there were rumors that the Zimbabwean government issued a Mineral Classification and Declaration, which explicitly listed lithium and other high-value minerals as key minerals subject to equity and export controls. There are 14 such key minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, copper, rare earth elements, chromium, platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, antimony, uranium, ruthenium, tungsten, and niobium.
Compared to the previous restrictions that only applied to lithium concentrate exports and required corresponding beneficiation facilities, the new regulations will introduce additional provisions regarding state-owned shareholding. It is reported that Zimbabwe will impose controls on the ownership of key mineral enterprises and their exports. For all declared mineral resources, the state will enforce mandatory minimum shareholding requirements through designated special purpose companies (SPVs).
Currently, listed A-share companies such as Shengxin Lithium Energy, Huayou Cobalt, Zhongkuang Resources, Tianhua New Energy, and Yaha Group have lithium mining projects in various regions. According to several industry insiders, the new policies mainly target newly approved mining rights and new mines. Existing old mines are not significantly affected by these policies.
According to a report by *Daily Economic News*, in Zimbabwe, there are already lithium-related projects where the local government holds shares. The actual shareholding ratio has reached 15%. However, this shareholding does not stem from recent times; it has existed since the Chinese-owned lithium companies began operating in Zimbabwe.
The relevant person in charge of Zhongkuang Resources responded, After verifying with local authorities in Zimbabwe, the minimum shareholding requirement is merely a personal opinion of the Minister of Mining and Mineral Development in Zimbabwe. It is not a formal policy, nor does it represent the governments position. Currently, this has no impact on the company. Even if this policy is implemented in the future, it will only affect the construction of new mines; it will have no effect on the operation of existing mines at all.
Tianhua New Energy stated that the new policy has not yet had any impact on companies. Yaha Group, on the other hand, said that they have completed all necessary procedures for exporting lithium carbonate and have started shipping their products. The lithium sulfate production project under their control is progressing smoothly, with completion and operation expected next year.
Shengxin Lithium Energy previously revealed in mid-April that the Japanese side had lifted restrictions on the export of lithium concentrate. Companies that meet regulatory standards can export their products according to regulations. The company is working with local authorities to streamline the export process.
