Zimbabwe Mineral Exports Near $1 Billion in Q1 2026 as Lithium and PGMs Surge After Export Ban
Zimbabwe’s mining sector recorded a strong performance in the first quarter of 2026, with total mineral sales nearing the $1 billion mark following a surge in lithium and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) exports.
According to the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), mineral sales reached 1,288,761 tonnes valued at $983.85 million during the period under review.
This marks a 27% increase in sales volumes and a 79% rise in value compared to the same period in 2025.
The growth follows the government’s decision to ban exports of unbeneficiated minerals on February 25, a policy aimed at promoting local value addition and beneficiation within the mining sector.
The move has significantly reshaped Zimbabwe’s export profile, boosting earnings from processed and semi-processed minerals.
Lithium emerged as one of the best-performing minerals, driven by strong global demand for battery materials.
Sales reached 240,826 tonnes worth $178.64 million, representing a 2% increase in volume and a remarkable 106% jump in value year-on-year.
MMCZ General Manager Dr. Nomusa Moyo said the export restrictions have strengthened Zimbabwe’s strategic position in the global battery minerals supply chain.
“The government’s ban on lithium concentrate exports, while causing short-term disruptions to global spot supplies, has strengthened Zimbabwe’s strategic influence within the global battery supply chain through domestic processing,” she said.
“As a supplier of approximately 15% of the spodumene imported into China, Zimbabwe remains a critical and increasingly integrated partner for the world’s leading battery manufacturers.”
Platinum Group Metals also contributed significantly to export earnings, generating $543.97 million during the quarter.
PGM concentrate sales nearly doubled in volume, while stronger international prices helped offset declines in matte production.
Other mineral products, including steel, coal, and coke, also posted strong growth, supported by improved regional demand and increased production of value-added exports.
However, diamond exports remained under pressure due to lower international prices and production challenges linked to competition from lab-grown diamonds.
Looking ahead, MMCZ said the outlook for the second quarter remains uncertain as geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global energy markets continue to affect commodity prices, particularly for critical minerals used in industrial and defence-related supply chains.
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