Story by Theophilus Chuma
THE Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Polite Kambamura has announced an immediate suspension of all raw mineral and lithium concentrate exports, in a move aimed at strengthening in-country value addition and safeguarding national resources.
Addressing the media in Harare on Wednesday, the Minister said the ban takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
“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.”
Authorities including Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) and other regulators have been directed to enforce the suspension “without exception”.
“Government expects cooperation of the Mining Industry on this measure which has been taken in the National Interest,” Minister Kambamura said. statement read.
The Ministry said it would engage the industry “in the near future on new expectations and way forward,” underscoring Government’s commitment to transparency, beneficiation, compliance and accountability in the export of mineral resources.
Under revised export requirements for other minerals, only mining companies holding valid mining titles and approved beneficiation plants will be authorised to export. “Agents and third-party traders are not authorised to export minerals on behalf of mining title holders,” he said.
Export permit applications must now include a recommendation letter from the relevant Provincial Mining Office detailing beneficiation capacity and compliance status, as well as a declaration of the mineral composition of each consignment.
“The Ministry will at any time test to verify the mineral composition of each consignment. No application will be processed without full compliance with the above requirements,” the statement said.
Regulators will strictly enforce the new measures, with any exports lacking valid permits and complete documentation to be denied clearance.
“Continuous of an expired or already exhausted export permit is a serious offence that warrants withdraw of export permit and mining title,” the Ministry warned.
Government said the measures are being implemented “in the national interest, to enhance mineral accountability, promote beneficiation, and maximise value retention within Zimbabwe,” adding that stakeholder engagement will continue to support compliant operators.
