Zimbabwean government announces ban on lithium concentrate exports from 2027

The Zimbabwean government has decided to ban the export of lithium concentrate from 2027, a move aimed at promoting the development of local mining processing. Two mining companies in Zimbabwe are already building lithium sulfur and hydrochloric acid plants, which can convert lithium concentrate into lithium sulfate and increase its value. Lithium sulfate can be refined into battery-grade materials such as lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate. Zimbabwe has banned the export of raw lithium ore and called on more mining companies to invest in the construction of lithium sulfur and hydrochloric acid plants.