Miners have requested that the export tax be delayed until domestic refining plants are developed.
In a submission to Zimbabwe’s mines and finance ministries, ZLE outlined that the tax, designed to promote domestic refining, should be deferred to allow the industry time to develop processing infrastructure. The association noted that lithium sulphate, a higher-value product, will be exported to China for further refinement into battery-grade materials once local facilities are operational. This aligns with Zimbabwe’s growing role as a significant supplier of lithium concentrate to Chinese refineries, supported by substantial investments from companies such as Chengxin Lithium Group, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, and Sinomine Resource Group.
ZLE also raised concerns about the calculation of royalty payments, stating that the government is using the price of lithium carbonate, a more expensive product, instead of the lithium concentrate produced locally. This discrepancy affects the financial burden on miners. On May 19, 2025, the Chamber of Mines, representing the wider mining sector, met with the Finance Ministry to discuss these issues. A Chamber spokesperson confirmed the consultations but provided no further details on the ongoing talks.
Zimbabwe has emerged as a key player in the global lithium market, with its mining sector attracting significant foreign investment. The proposed delay in the export tax aims to balance the development of local refining capabilities with the industry’s current operational realities. Last month, the state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development announced efforts to resolve an international arbitration dispute with Amaplat Mauritius, which threatens asset confiscation due to debt, highlighting the broader financial challenges facing the sector.
These efforts reflect Zimbabwe’s commitment to enhancing its lithium industry while addressing operational and economic considerations to support sustainable growth.
