- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has strongly backed the government’s decision to immediately ban the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrates.
- This policy acceleration, initially planned for 2027, aims to prevent the plunder of Zimbabwe’s vast mineral wealth without local beneficiation.
- Chiwenga warned that future generations would condemn current leaders if they failed to industrialize rural communities and retain value from resources.
- The move follows concerns about underdeclaration by some miners scrambling to export raw minerals before the ban.
Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has voiced staunch support for the government’s accelerated ban on raw mineral exports, particularly lithium concentrates. The policy, originally slated for 2027, has been fast-tracked in response to concerns over mining companies rushing to extract and export unprocessed minerals. Chiwenga emphasized the critical need for beneficiation to ensure that the nation’s mineral wealth contributes to long-term economic growth and industrialization, especially in rural areas where these resources are found. The government believes this measure is crucial for creating a lasting legacy of development rather than leaving behind only environmental damage from unchecked extraction.
Addressing traditional chiefs during a tour of Sandawana Mine in Mberengwa, Chiwenga highlighted the potential for future generations to ‘spit on our graves’ if the current leadership fails to capitalize on the country’s mineral resources through value addition. He criticized past practices where raw lithium exports led to environmental harm and infrastructural damage with minimal national returns. The Vice President’s remarks underscore a firm commitment to shift Zimbabwe from a raw material supplier to a hub for mineral processing industries, thereby fostering sustainable development and employment opportunities across the country.
Timeline
- **March 5, 2026, Morning:** Vice President Constantino Chiwenga speaks during a familiarization tour of Sandawana Mine in Mberengwa, backing the immediate ban on raw lithium and concentrates export.
- **March 5, 2026, Morning:** NewZimbabwe.com reports on Chiwenga’s statements regarding the mineral export ban.
Key Players
- **Constantino Chiwenga:** Vice President of Zimbabwe, who publicly endorsed the accelerated mineral export ban.
- **Ministry of Information:** Confirmed the government’s stance on fuel stocks amid Middle East tensions, indicating broader government policy awareness.
- **Mutapa Investment Fund:** Owns Sandawana Mine, the site of Chiwenga’s remarks, under its energy minerals portfolio.
