Zimbabwe: Lithium Powers Zimbabwe's Mineral Export Boom to U.S.$4.7bn

What the report says

Zimbabwe’s mineral export earnings rose sharply in the first nine months of 2026, reaching US$4.735 billion, according to reporting by 263Chat carried on AllAfrica. The figure was more than double the amount recorded over the same period in 2025, and lithium replaced platinum group metals as the country’s top mineral revenue source.

The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe said the increase was driven by stronger sales volumes and higher prices, alongside more local processing, new market development and efforts to reduce leakages. Dr Nomusa Moyo, the company’s general manager, said the jump in earnings reflected an extra US$2.388 billion compared with the previous year. She spoke to journalists in Masvingo.

Lithium generated about US$2.159 billion, or 45.6% of total mineral export sales, led by spodumene, petalite and lithium sulphate. PGM sales were also up, at about US$1.729 billion. Other minerals including chrome, ferrochrome, steel, coke, granite and diamonds also posted gains. The report said September alone brought in US$685.03 million in mineral export sales.

The article said the outlook for the rest of 2026 was mixed, with lithium demand supported by battery and storage markets but prices and buying conditions still uneven. MMCZ said it would continue helping producers access international markets while monitoring global demand and operational constraints.