Zimbabwe Declares Lithium, Gold, and Rare Earths Strategic Minerals in Major Mining Policy Shift

The Zimbabwe Government has officially classified several minerals as critical, special critical and strategic in a move aimed at strengthening mineral beneficiation, resource control and long-term economic planning. The announcement was made by Polite Kambamura, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, during a media briefing in Harare last week. The new policy forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader Critical Minerals Development Strategy, which seeks to maximise value from the country’s vast mineral resources through local processing and tighter regulation of exports.

Zimbabwe Lists Critical and Strategic Minerals

According to the government, the following minerals have now been designated as critical minerals:

• Lithium

• Nickel

• Cobalt

• Graphite

• Copper

• Rare earth elements

• Chrome

• Platinum group metals

• Manganese

• Antimony

• Uranium

• Ruthenium

• Tungsten

• Niobium

Metallurgical coal has been classified as a special critical mineral. Meanwhile, the following have been designated as strategic minerals:

• Limestone

• Potash

• Phosphorus

• Iron ore

• Pyrites

• Oil and gas

• Coal

• Gold

• Diamonds

The classifications are expected to influence future mining licences, investment structures, export approvals and beneficiation requirements across Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

Government Tightens Control Over Mineral Exploitation

Under the new framework, the Government said designated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will be required to hold a mandatory minimum shareholding in the exploitation of critical minerals. Authorities say the move is intended to ensure Zimbabwe retains greater economic participation and oversight in high-value mining projects.

The Government also announced tighter restrictions on raw mineral exports.

“No one will be allowed to export listed minerals in raw or unbeneficiated form unless authorised under a transitional plan approved by the Minister of Mines, with clear timelines for local beneficiation,” the policy statement said.

The decision signals a stronger push toward local value addition, refining and industrialisation.

Lithium and Rare Earth Minerals in Global Demand

Zimbabwe’s policy shift comes as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise due to the expansion of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and battery manufacturing. Lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements are considered essential components in green energy technologies and advanced electronics. Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s largest lithium deposits and has increasingly attracted international mining interest in recent years.

Mining analysts say the new policy could reshape investment negotiations within the sector.

Economic analyst Persistence Gwanyanya said the strategy reflects growing resource nationalism seen across mineral-rich countries.

“Governments globally are now seeking greater control and value retention from strategic minerals linked to the energy transition,” he said.

However, industry observers say implementation will be critical to maintaining investor confidence while balancing national interests.

Push for Beneficiation and Industrial Growth

The Government has repeatedly stated that exporting raw minerals deprives Zimbabwe of jobs, industrial growth, and foreign currency earnings. Authorities believe local beneficiation and processing could help stimulate downstream industries, including battery manufacturing, steel production and chemical processing.

Zimbabwe has already introduced export restrictions on raw lithium in recent years as part of efforts to encourage local processing plants and investment in value-addition infrastructure. The latest classifications are expected to further strengthen Government oversight over the mining sector, which remains one of Zimbabwe’s largest foreign currency earners.

Zimbabwe critical minerals