Business

Zimbabwe beats lithium price crash with 30% surge in spodumene exports

Despite an 90% global plunge in lithium prices since 2022, Zimbabwe’s spodumene concentrate exports soared by 30% in the first half of 2025, reaching 586,197 metric tons, up from 451,824 tons in the same period of 2024.

This is according to the precious stones marketing regulator, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ).

Key Highlights:
•Global lithium price slump: Prices fell from over US$80,000/ton in late 2022 to US$8,450/ton by June 2025.
•Investor confidence remains strong, with Chinese companies injecting over US$1.4 billion into Zimbabwe’s lithium sector since 2021.
•Major players: Huayou, Sinomine, Chengxin, Yahua, and Tsingshan.
•Local beneficiation push: Zimbabwe aims to ban raw lithium exports by 2027.
•Value-add projects underway:
•Huayou is building a 50,000 tpa lithium sulphate plant.
•Sinomine plans a US$500 million lithium sulphate facility at Bikita.

Zimbabwe remains Africa’s top lithium producer and is positioning itself as a key hub for battery mineral processing in the global EV supply chain.

Zim Economic Review

Share
Published by
Muzavazi

Recent Posts

Kaze Calls for Calm as Chiefs’ Losing Run Continues

Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze has urged patience and composure after the club’s poor run… Read More

5th March 2026

Two Kaizer Chiefs players injured

Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a major setback with two experienced players injured. Both Brandon Petersen… Read More

5th March 2026

Stanley Nwabali Linked With Kaizer Chiefs After Chippa United Exit

Premier Soccer League giants Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly set their sights on Nigeria international goalkeeper… Read More

3rd March 2026

Kaizer Chiefs hit by setbacks as Pirates dominate Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs’ preparations for the Soweto Derby were severely disrupted before kick-off, a reality that… Read More

1st March 2026

Kaizer Chiefs secure narrow win over ZESCO United to strengthen Confederation Cup push

Kaizer Chiefs registered a second successive victory in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after… Read More

2nd February 2026

EV CARS 247: Connecting Africa’s EV Car Buyers, Exporters, and Dealers in One Automotive Network

Across Africa, vehicle buyers and importers are discovering a new way to connect — through … Read More

2nd February 2026