The Zimbabwean government has announced an immediate suspension of all raw mineral exports, including lithium concentrates, as part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing national interests and increasing domestic value addition. The announcement was made by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, who emphasized the government's commitment to improved transparency and accountability in the management of the country's mineral resources.

Kambamura indicated that this ban is part of a comprehensive reform strategy to tighten oversight within the mining sector, with plans for a nationwide audit of mineral production and exports to ensure compliance with new regulations. This move reflects Zimbabwe's long-term goal to shift from exporting unprocessed minerals to promoting beneficiation and processing within the country, a shift that has gained momentum due to growing global demand for lithium and other strategic minerals.

The suspension positions Zimbabwe to better manage its valuable mineral resources while aligning with broader economic policies aimed at fostering local industry and job creation. The government aims to ensure that the benefits of mineral extraction are realized domestically, potentially providing a boon to local manufacturers and contributing to the country's economic stability.