Premier African Minerals says lithium exports from Zimbabwe could resume soon as the government prepares a regulated framework for qualifying producers.
Premier African Minerals Limited says it expects lithium exports from Zimbabwe to resume soon after consultations with industry players and regulatory clarification from the government following the suspension of shipments earlier this year. The company said new policy developments indicate exports may restart under a controlled framework for qualifying producers.
Zimbabwe suspended exports of lithium concentrates and other raw minerals in February 2026, including consignments already in transit. Authorities said the move was aimed at increasing local beneficiation and ensuring the country retains more value from its mineral resources. The decision forms part of wider government efforts to strengthen earnings from critical minerals such as lithium.
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The government has raised concern that Zimbabwe has been exporting lithium at low prices while foreign processors earn significantly higher returns from refined products. Industry figures show raw lithium exports have been valued at around US$375 per tonne, while processed lithium products can sell for as much as US$20 314 per tonne on international markets.
Using last year’s export volume of 1.52 million tonnes as an example, processed lithium output would reduce to an estimated 152 000 to 227 000 tonnes. However, at prices above US$20 000 per tonne, analysts say the value of processed exports could generate billions of dollars in additional revenue for Zimbabwe.
In a company statement, Premier said recent developments in the country’s lithium export policy suggest exports are likely to resume soon under regulated conditions. The company said approvals and quotas are expected to be granted to producers that meet the required standards.
“The company notes recent developments in Zimbabwe’s lithium export policy following the government’s February 2026 decision to suspend exports of lithium concentrates and other raw minerals in order to promote in-country beneficiation and address regulatory concerns,” Premier said.
Premier added that exports are expected to resume under a controlled framework, with approvals and quotas being granted to qualifying producers that meet specified criteria. These include compliance with local processing requirements and broader regulatory obligations set by authorities.
Under the new conditions, mining companies must provide written commitments to establish beneficiation facilities that separate all economic minerals before export. Producers are also required to develop lithium sulphate plants by January 2027 and establish internationally accredited laboratories and on-site assay labs within three months.
The regulations further require mining firms to fully declare all minerals contained in export consignments and to publish annual financial statements from December 2025. Authorities say the measures are designed to improve transparency, increase accountability and maximise national revenue from mineral exports.
Premier said it supports the new regulatory framework and described the approach as practical for the continued growth of the lithium industry. “Premier welcomes this pragmatic approach, which supports the continued development of Zimbabwe’s lithium sector while recognising the importance of enabling established producers to export concentrate under defined conditions,” the company said.
The company also said installation of its Xinhai flotation plant at the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project is progressing well. Earlier this year, Premier signed a procurement, installation and commissioning agreement with Xinhai Technology Processing subsidiary Thriving Engineering Private Limited for the spodumene flotation plant.
The plant is designed to upgrade raw lithium ore by separating valuable spodumene from impurities such as quartz and feldspar using water, reagents and air bubbles. Premier said recent work has focused on labour-intensive fabrication activities at the site, including construction of overflow launders, walkways, interconnecting pipework and installation of large-diameter air supply piping.
The company said these components must be fabricated on site due to the design of the new flotation plant. Premier added that work is being carried out by the Zulu Lithium engineering team under the supervision of a specialist installation engineer from Xinhai Technology Processing.
