Compromise?

Zimbabwe: Is the raw lithium export ban backfiring?

By Farai Shawn Matiashe

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Posted on March 28, 2023 14:44

© Employees charge lithium ion batteries for a Hamba electric motorcycle at a solar-powered recharging station in Wedza, Zimbabwe, 22 May 2020. Picture taken May 22, 2020. REUTERS — Employees charge lithium ion batteries for a Hamba electric motorcycle at a solar-powered recharging station in Wedza, Zimbabwe, 22 May 2020. Picture taken May 22, 2020. REUTERS

Mining players in Zimbabwe are calling on the government to lift an export ban imposed on raw lithium since last year, citing stockpiling of the white gold, which has led to a sharp decline in prices and left small-scale miners struggling.

In an effort to add value and curb lithium smuggling through the country’s porous borders to neighbouring nations, including South Africa, the government banned the export of unprocessed lithium starting from December last year.

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