HARARE, Mar 13 – Sinomine Resource Group is in discussions with authorities in Zimbabwe to resume lithium exports after the government recently imposed restrictions on shipments of raw minerals.
The Chinese mining company confirmed that it is currently engaging with Zimbabwean officials to secure a new export permit following the ban on lithium concentrate exports introduced earlier this year.
Sinomine disclosed the update while responding to investor questions on an online platform linked to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
Zimbabwe announced the export ban on raw minerals and lithium concentrates in late February, stating that the measure was aimed at curbing malpractice in the sector and encouraging greater value addition within the country.
Authorities say the policy is intended to ensure that more of the processing and economic benefits from the country’s mineral resources take place domestically rather than overseas.
Despite the restrictions, Sinomine said the policy has had limited impact on operations at its Bikita Mine, one of the country’s key lithium mining sites.
Zimbabwe holds some of Africa’s largest lithium reserves and has been seeking ways to increase local processing of the mineral, which is widely used in batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage technologies.
