Govt suspends raw minerals exportation
STAFF WRITER
Government has suspended the exportation of all raw minerals in a decisive move to promote transparency, in-country value addition, and accountability in the mining sector, Business Times can report.
Zimbabwe has been losing millions of dollars due to mineral smuggling, undermining the growth of the mining industry.
The suspension was announced by Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura.
“The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development advises all stakeholders that the export of all raw minerals and
lithium concentrates is suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
This includes all minerals currently in transit.
ZIMRA, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), and other regulators are instructed to observe the suspension without exception.
The government expects full cooperation from the mining industry on this measure, taken in the national interest,” Kambamura said.
The minister emphasised that only mining companies holding valid mining titles and operating approved beneficiation plants will be allowed to export minerals. Agents and third party traders are prohibited from exporting on behalf of mining title holders.