Zimbabwe's Lithium Exports Jump 30% Despite Global Price Crash
15:44 22.07.2025 (Updated: 16:25 22.07.2025)
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Zimbabwe's Lithium Exports Jump 30% Despite Global Price Crash
Zimbabwe’s exports of spodumene concentrate — a key lithium mineral — rose 30% in early 2025. Shipments hit 586,197 tonnes, up from 451,824 tonnes a year earlier, according to a Western news agency citing data from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ).
The surge comes despite lithium prices collapsing nearly 90% since 2023 due to oversupply in the market.
Chinese firms, including Huayou Cobalt and Sinomine, dominate Zimbabwe’s lithium sector. They’ve invested over $1.4 billion since 2021. Some are now building lithium sulphate plants ahead of Zimbabwe’s 2027 raw export ban.
The MMCZ anticipates a medium-term rebound, citing continued global demand driven by the clean energy and electric vehicle sectors.
Zimbabwe’s exports of spodumene concentrate — a key lithium mineral — rose 30% in early 2025. Shipments hit 586,197 tonnes, up from 451,824 tonnes a year earlier, according to a Western news agency citing data from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ).
The surge comes despite lithium prices collapsing nearly 90% since 2023 due to oversupply in the market.
Chinese firms, including Huayou Cobalt and Sinomine, dominate Zimbabwe’s lithium sector. They’ve invested over $1.4 billion since 2021. Some are now building lithium sulphate plants ahead of Zimbabwe’s 2027 raw export ban.
The MMCZ anticipates a medium-term rebound, citing continued global demand driven by the clean energy and electric vehicle sectors.
