China secures lithium export quota
Zimbabwe’s lithium exports reached $782 million in the first-half of 2026, a 230% jump from $237 million during the same period last year. As a result, the battery mineral now makes up about 12% of the country’s mineral export earnings, trailing only gold and platinum group metals. The surge comes as Zimbabwe advances plans to move up the value chain by encouraging domestic processing, including the commissioning of its first lithium sulphate plant in April. The government plans to ban lithium concentrate exports from January 2027 to promote higher-value exports. Chinese companies continue to dominate the sector, while authorities have tightened oversight after temporarily suspending concentrate exports earlier this year to address leakages and malpractice in the industry.
CNBC Africa