Zimbabwe targets battery-grade output with 2027 lithium concentrate export ban

The global lithium market is keeping a close eye on further developments in the space after Zimbabwe – Africa’s largest producer of the critical metal – announced it planned to ban the export of all lithium concentrate produced in the country from the beginning of 2027.

The move follows the government’s decision in December 2022 to ban the export of unprocessed lithium.

The government said it has made both moves in an effort to support plans to boost local refining and generate more revenue from the value-added mineral.

Focus on local capacity

Zimbabwe mines and mining development minister Winston Chitando told a recent event the nation was looking to develop the ability to produce battery-grade lithium.

“Because of that capacity which is now in the country, the export of all lithium concentrates will be banned from January 2027,” he said.

Zimbabwe began exporting lithium concentrate following the 2022 ban on raw lithium ore exports.

Largest reserves in Africa

The nation is a significant global lithium producer, holding the largest reserves in Africa and ranking among the top 10 in the world.

Analysts estimated the country’s lithium reserves stood at 480,000 metric tons in 2024.

The country produced 22,000 metric tons of lithium in 2024, a notable increase of nearly 50% from the previous year.

Major Zimbabwean lithium mines include Bikita, (11 million tonnes) and Arcadia (26Mt).