The government of Zimbabwe has decided to ban the export of lithium from its mines.
With this new rule, the country hopes to be able to develop a local industry around this precious ore, used in high-tech fields.
Zimbabwe wants to produce added value
In the space of a decade, lithium has become a highly sought-after mineral throughout the world. This white alkali metal is indeed necessary for the production of batteries found in electric cars or smartphones. Suffice to say that countries with strong reserves have “white gold” in their hands.
A gold that some want to grow, like Zimbabwe. His government has just banned the export of raw lithium. An important measure, since this southern African country is the largest producer of lithium on the continent, and the 5e in the world. According to his government, he has enough on his land to supply 20% of the world’s demand.
From now on, in order to be able to use lithium, the large international companies will have to carry out at least a first stage of its transformation directly on site. This would allow the development of a local electric battery industry with greater added value than simple mining.
The smuggling problem
The other objective of this measure is to put an end to the artisanal mining of lithium carried out by local miners, who then smuggle the precious ore across the border, without the State receiving its share.
The government estimates the loss suffered by the country at 1.7 billion euros due to the absence of a lithium processing industry. And this while its selling price worldwide has increased by 1,100% over the past two years.
In 2021, Australia had produced half of the lithium used by industry in the world, while Chile (with the largest reserves on the planet) and Argentina had supplied 30% of the demand, and China 13%.
Sources: Voice of Nigeria, Business Insider
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