Government Enforces Raw Lithium Export Ban, Trucks Turned Back at Forbes Border Post

Haulage trucks queue

The government has begun strictly enforcing its suspension on the export of raw lithium and other unprocessed precious minerals, halting hundreds of haulage trucks at Forbes Border Post in a move aimed at accelerating local beneficiation. The directive, announced by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, seeks to maximise revenue from Zimbabwe’s vast lithium reserves, a critical mineral used in electronic batteries and clean energy technologies.

Officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), and other regulatory bodies were seen turning back trucks carrying lithium and chrome at the border, causing significant congestion along the Mutare–Forbes Road.

By late evening, dozens of trucks laden with minerals were parked at Energy Park Service Station near the border as drivers awaited further instructions from their companies. Armed police maintained a visible presence to monitor the situation. One driver transporting chrome from Mutorashanga said he was denied passage despite having export documentation, adding that authorities cited new instructions blocking all raw mineral exports. A security guard at the service station confirmed witnessing numerous trucks making U-turns after being denied clearance.

The chief executive officer of the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe said the enforcement reflects the government’s deliberate effort to safeguard national interests. He noted that when the ban was first announced, some trucks were already at the border or en route. Authorities are now managing the transition while awaiting further policy guidance on consignments already in transit. The association said it supports the move, emphasising that the government has consistently prioritised beneficiation and value addition in the mining sector.

Zimbabwe holds some of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium reserves, positioning the country strategically within global clean energy supply chains. Authorities say the suspension applies to all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, including consignments already in transit, signalling a firm stance against the export of unprocessed resources.

The government expects the policy to accelerate the establishment of local processing and beneficiation plants, create employment opportunities, and boost export earnings through value-added production. The move aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to shift from being a primary commodity exporter to a value-driven industrial economy, while positioning itself as a key player in the global green energy transition.

Zimbabwe lithium export ban