A large open-pit quarry with terraced levels used for mineral extraction and mining activities.
Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves, a key resource for powering electric vehicles. However, most of its raw lithium is exported, mainly to China, for refining, thereby leaving little value at home. In a bid to retain more economic benefit, the government plans to ban lithium concentrate exports by 2027, aiming to develop local battery industries and lithium refineries. However, critics argue the timeline is too slow, warning that up to 1.6 million tons of unprocessed lithium could be exported before then. Others also warn that mining pollution, community displacement, and elite-linked corruption persist in the industry. To truly benefit, Zimbabwe must act now by establishing local lithium processing, curbing illicit exports, and including mining communities in decision-making. Without urgent reforms, Zimbabwe risks losing both its lithium and its future.
The Conversation