US interest in Zimbabwe minerals as Project Vault targets supply chains

Mining site in Zimbabwe

The United States has signalled a clear interest in Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth as Washington moves to secure critical inputs for manufacturing and national security. Announced under Project Vault, a US$12 billion stockpiling initiative, the push aims to diversify supply chains for strategic minerals and reduce reliance on single suppliers. The US Embassy in Harare said Washington is “ready to engage with Zimbabwe on mutually beneficial supply chain transactions,” putting Zimbabwe squarely in the spotlight given its rich endowment of lithium, platinum group metals, and rare earths.

Why Zimbabwe matters

Lithium leadership. Zimbabwe is Africa’s largest lithium producer and holds the world’s sixth‑largest lithium reserves, with ambitions to supply up to 20 percent of global demand. Lithium is central to electric‑vehicle batteries and energy storage.

Broad mineral base. Beyond lithium, Zimbabwe hosts the world’s second‑largest reserves of platinum group metals, 17 types of rare earth minerals, and significant chrome, nickel, and iron deposits. That mix makes the country strategically attractive to nations racing to secure critical inputs.

Harare’s response

Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana said Zimbabwe is open to talks through formal diplomatic and trade channels, but stressed conditions: any engagement must be transparent, mutually beneficial, and advance national development goals. Harare emphasises value addition, technology transfer, and job creation as non‑negotiable outcomes of foreign partnerships. “We welcome relationships that contribute to sustainable development,” Mangwana said, adding that Zimbabwe seeks deals that protect national interests and improve livelihoods.

Geopolitics and market dynamics

Analysts view the US approach as part of a broader geopolitical shift. With Washington seeking alternatives to China for rare earths and other critical minerals, Africa’s producers have become priority targets. Economist Persistence Gwanyanya noted that Project Vault signals urgency in Washington’s search for diversified suppliers.

Political analyst Kudzai Mutisi warned that the global scramble will push demand and prices higher, creating both opportunity and risk for resource‑rich countries. He urged Zimbabwe to consider strategic measures such as national stockpiles and policies that maximise long‑term domestic benefit.

What Zimbabwe should demand

Experts and officials point to several priorities Zimbabwe should insist on during negotiations:

• Value addition to avoid exporting raw materials at low margins.

• Technology transfer to build local processing capacity.

• Job creation and skills development for sustainable economic gains.

• Transparent contracts and environmental safeguards to protect communities.

• Strategic reserves to secure national supply and bargaining power.

The choice ahead

Zimbabwe faces a pivotal decision: leverage its mineral endowment to attract investment that fosters industrialisation, or risk becoming a supplier of unprocessed commodities with limited local benefit. The US interest under Project Vault presents a major opportunity, but the long‑term payoff will depend on how Harare negotiates terms, enforces value‑capture measures, and balances foreign partnerships with national priorities.

If structured correctly, these engagements could accelerate Zimbabwe’s industrial ambitions and create jobs. If mishandled, they could lock the country into extractive relationships that deliver little beyond short‑term revenue. The coming months will reveal whether Zimbabwe can convert strategic interest into sustainable development.

US interest in Zimbabwe mineral