in Short
Zimbabwe: export quotas and 10 percent tax to drive 400 million dollar lithium industry
Zimbabwe enforces new lithium export rules and a 10% tax to drive a $400 million industry, pushing for local processing and battery value‑chain development.
Zimbabwe is tightening its mining policy with export quotas and a 10 percent tax on lithium concentrate, according to a Ministry of Mines directive dated April 2, 2026. Following a suspension on February 26, authorities now require local processing investments, including lithium sulfate plants by January 2027. Official data show 1.128 million tonnes were exported to China in 2025. Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt has already invested 400 million dollars in a processing facility.
