HARARE — Chinese investors now control more than 80% of Zimbabwe's lithium production, cementing Beijing's dominance over one of the country's most strategic mining sectors as the industry recovers from a global price slump that cost more than 1,000 jobs.

HARARE – Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube says the Government will maintain its January 2027 deadline requiring lithium producers to beneficiate their minerals locally, despite calls from mining companies for more time to complete processing plants.