Zimbabwe has introduced a new two percent levy on the gross value of locally and internationally sold lithium, black granite, quarry stones, and cut and uncut diamonds, effective January 1, 2025.
This levy, detailed in the Finance Act signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, replaces the previous one percent tax and must be paid in the currency of the transaction.
"The levy on gross value of lithium, black granite, quarry stones and uncut and cut dimensional stone chargeable in terms of section 36P of the Taxes Act shall be two percent of the gross value of the sale within Zimbabwe or on export of lithium, black granite, quarry stones and uncut and cut dimensional stone, which levy must be payable in the currency of trade," reads the text of the Finance Act.
The Act also clarifies that the President holds ultimate authority over all underground natural resources subject to royalties, a right that can only be modified by future Acts of Parliament.
Furthermore, the new legislation prohibits the registration of mining title transfers to entities that are not registered for tax purposes.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority must issue a certificate confirming the recipient's tax registration before any transfer can be finalized; otherwise, the transfer is deemed void and will be cancelled.