Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Government has begun strictly enforcing its suspension on the export of raw lithium and other precious minerals, halting a large convoy of haulage trucks at Forbes Border Post in Mutare.
The directive, announced by Mines and Mining Development Minister, Dr Polite Kambamura, is aimed at promoting local beneficiation and maximising revenue from Zimbabwe’s lithium reserves — a critical resource in the production of electronic batteries.
At Forbes Border Post yesterday, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), among other regulators, turned back hundreds of trucks carrying lithium and chrome. The enforcement caused significant congestion along the Mutare–Forbes Border Post Road.
By late evening, several trucks laden with minerals were parked at Energy Park Service Station near the border, as drivers awaited instructions from their companies.
Armed police maintained a visible presence to monitor the situation.
One driver, Mr Fredrick Takaendesa, who was transporting chrome from Mutorashanga, said he was blocked despite having all the necessary export papers.
“I joined the queue on Wednesday. Trucks carrying lithium were the first to be turned away, followed by those of us with chrome. Authorities told us there are instructions to block all raw mineral exports. I am waiting for my company’s guidance, but many drivers have already been told to return to the mines,” he explained.
A security guard at Energy Park Service Station, Mr Ernest Mandiranga, confirmed that since Wednesday he had witnessed numerous trucks making U-turns after being denied passage.
“Trucks carrying lithium and chrome are being denied passage at the border and ordered to return. Most have already gone back, while a few remain parked at this garage. The drivers say they are waiting for further instructions,” said Mr Mandiranga.
Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Mr Washington Dube, said the Government’s actions reflect deliberate efforts to safeguard national interests.
“When the Mines Minister announced the ban, some trucks were already at the border or en-route. We have observed that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and other departments are actively managing this traffic. We await guidance on the fate of these consignments, but we reiterate that Government, through the Ministry of Finance, remains open to engagement. We believe this is a listening Government, acting in the people’s interest, and we will continue to engage on these measures,” he said.
Mr Dube added that the association supports the ban, noting that under the Second Republic, Government has consistently prioritised national interests.
“The Ministry of Mines has made it clear that the ban on raw lithium exports is meant to protect national resources. We are aligned with this vision and welcome consultations with stakeholders on how best to manage these minerals. We look forward to contributing our input on the future of mineral exports,” he said.
Zimbabwe holds some of the world’s largest reserves of hard-rock lithium, a critical mineral for clean energy technologies.
The ban aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of ensuring that mineral wealth benefits all citizens, driving industrialisation and economic transformation rather than mere extraction.
Mining has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy under the Second Republic, recording unprecedented growth since 2017. Export earnings have surged from about US$2.7 billion to over US$5.6 billion, with reports indicating revenues reached US$9.77 billion by 2023. The sector now contributes between 12 and 13.3 percent of GDP and accounts for more than 80 percent of export receipts, underscoring its pivotal role in achieving the national target of an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
Dr Kambamura said the ban extends to all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, including consignments already in transit.
This signals Government’s firm stance against the export of unprocessed minerals.
The policy is expected to accelerate the establishment of beneficiation plants, create jobs, and position Zimbabwe as a key player in the global green energy transition.
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