HOT NEWS: VP Chiwenga sets January 2026 as deadline to end raw mineral exports‼️

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has announced a firm deadline for the cessation of raw mineral exports, declaring that by January 2026, all minerals produced in Zimbabwe must be processed locally before leaving the country.

He made the announcement during a tour of the newly constructed US$54 million lithium processing plant in Mandihongola, Gwanda.

The facility, owned by Chinese investor Tsingshan Holdings Limited, is part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to industrialize its mining sector and move away from the traditional “extract and export” model.

“Government has already issued a policy position, and come January 2026, we want to see all the minerals that we are producing, including lithium, being processed here,” said Chiwenga.

He emphasized that beneficiation is key to unlocking economic value, creating jobs, and empowering communities.

“We want to see various products being manufactured locally using the minerals we are producing.

“We need to beneficiate the mineral locally. The market for these products is there in our continent. We will export after beneficiating,” he said.

Chiwenga said the new approach would bring tangible benefits to citizens.

“This will bring life and employment to people and improve livelihoods,” he added.

He also urged mining companies to invest in surrounding communities through corporate social responsibility.

“We encourage initiatives such as construction of clinics, schools and roads because the roads were not initially designed for heavy trucks that we see moving through this place,” said Chiwenga.

To ensure smooth development, he called for unity among stakeholders.

“Where there is disagreement, there is need to sit down and agree on the way forward,” he said.

Chiwenga praised Zimbabwe’s historic ties with China and commended the continued partnership in economic development.

“The coming in of Gwanda Lithium is not by accident as it is another development initiative between friends.

“The Government commends the comprehensive strategic partnership with the Republic of China. This relationship must be carried through the next generations to come,” he said.

Gwanda Lithium Mine project director Mr Wilfred Motsi said the plant currently employs 450 workers, with 400 being locals.

He said the mine can produce over 20,000 metric tonnes of lithium concentrate per month, although output is currently limited by water shortages.

“We receive the lithium ore and it goes through various stages of processing such as the primary and secondary crusher, floatation and then we bring out the powder lithium concentrate, which we then export out of the country.

“In future we are looking forward to value add the concentrate into carbonite or Sulphur carbonite,” said Motsi.

Chiwenga concluded by urging all parties — Government, investors, and communities to ensure that Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth is used to build a prosperous, inclusive economy.

“The resource is here and it has to be utilised on a win-win basis. The company is bringing in equipment while the community has the resources and this relationship must benefit all parties involved,” he said.