Govt admits lack of border technology to detect rare earth mineral exports

The Zimbabwean government has acknowledged it lacks the technology at border posts to detect undeclared rare earth minerals, amid growing concerns over the potential loss of the country’s critical resources.

The admission came during a parliamentary question-and-answer session, where legislators pressed the Mines and Mining Development Minister, Polite Kambamura, on measures to prevent rare earth minerals from being exported secretly alongside other minerals such as lithium.

Legislator Clemence Chiduwa highlighted the global scramble for rare earth elements, which are essential for high-tech industries, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

“If we have lithium as the principal mineral, rare earths could be hidden within those consignments,” Chiduwa warned. “What policies does the government have to prevent this?”

Minister Kambamura said the government has introduced interim measures to tighten oversight of mineral exports, including banning the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrates. He added that authorities are now calling on mining companies to voluntarily declare the composition of their deposits and export consignments.

“We are developing a critical mineral policy that will guide how these minerals are extracted, beneficiated, and marketed,” Kambamura said. “The measures already in place aim to ensure the country does not lose out amid the global scramble for rare earths.”

However, when pressed on the government’s ability to detect undeclared minerals at borders, Kambamura admitted that scanning technology has not yet been deployed.

“Currently, we rely on our laboratories, which are being upgraded to analyse export consignments before they reach the borders. Scanners will be deployed at border posts in the near future,” he said.

Kambamura also announced plans to establish internationally recognised laboratories in major cities and along key transport routes to prevent smuggling.

Lawmakers questioned the consistency of government policy, particularly regarding lithium exports. Legislator Corban Madzivanyika noted that a 2023 statutory instrument allowed lithium exports until 2027. “Does the suspension of lithium exports not amount to policy inconsistency?” he asked.

The minister responded that the government reserves the right to intervene if investors breach existing regulations, emphasising the need to balance investor rights with national interests.

Questions were also raised about the availability of data on rare earth mineral deposits. Legislator Edwin Mushoriwa warned that reliance on incomplete information could result in losses. Kambamura confirmed that the government still largely depends on historical geological data but said a geophysical aeromagnetic survey is planned to accurately map and quantify the country’s rare earth resources.

“This survey will allow us to conduct proper research and identify precisely where our rare earths are and their quantities,” he said.