Sichuan Yahua has broken ground on a lithium sulfate plant in Zimbabwe, marking the third such facility from Chinese investors as the African nation tightens the screws on raw mineral exports. The move comes amid a government crackdown on lithium concentrate shipments, with authorities now requiring valid mining licenses and approved processing capacity before any exports leave the country. Zimbabwe, which supplies nearly 10% of the world’s lithium, is following a growing African trend of demanding local processing. Zhejiang Huayou and Sinomine are two other Chinese companies building similar facilities in the country. With Chinese firms pouring billions into lithium projects, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as more than just a source of raw materials.
Bloomberg
