Zimbabwe Raw Ore Export Ban: Base Metals Such As Nickel, Chromium And Manganese Must Be Processed Prior To Shipment.

The government said a new ban on exports of raw materials and unprocessed minerals would take effect immediately and that the export ban was in line with the government's long-standing value-added initiatives and vision 2030.

Mines Minister Winston Chitando said the export of unprocessed base metals would be banned with immediate effect under Statutory Instrument No. 5 of 2023.

"The statutory instrument only restricts the export of base metals and does not cover precious metals, which are gold and platinum group metals such as diamonds," Chitando said. Base metals such as lithium, nickel, chromium, manganese and tantalum, however, must be processed prior to shipment and the export ban will take effect immediately."

Minister Chitando said mining companies were aware that the government had been pursuing value-added initiatives to achieve its long-term economic vision.

"As you know, the government has been talking about value added. The vision set by President Emmerson Mnangagwa is to industrialize the economy. And to fully industrialize the economy of Zimbabwe, we have to seriously consider value added."

After years in which Africa has not benefited from its vast natural resources, Zimbabwe, as the first country on the continent to change policy, is a sign of the government's determination to industrialise its economy under the 2030 vision.