Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
GWANDA – Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga has declared January 2026 as the firm deadline for Zimbabwe to stop exporting raw minerals, mandating that all mining products must be processed locally before leaving the country.
The Vice President made the landmark announcement on Tuesday while touring the new US$54 million lithium processing plant constructed by China’s Tsingshan Holdings Limited in Mandihongola, Gwanda.
“Government has already issued a policy position, and come January 2026, we want to see all the minerals that we are producing, including lithium, being processed here,” said Chiwenga, underscoring the government’s commitment to industrializing the mining sector.
He emphasized that the policy of local beneficiation is crucial for transforming the nation’s economy.
“We need to beneficiate the mineral locally. The market for these products is there in our continent. We will export after beneficiating,” he stated.
Chiwenga highlighted the direct benefits for citizens, noting that the move would create jobs and improve livelihoods.
“This will bring life and employment to people and improve livelihoods,” he added.
The Vice President also called on mining companies to invest in their host communities through robust corporate social responsibility programs.
“We encourage initiatives such as construction of clinics, schools and roads because the roads were not initially designed for heavy trucks that we see moving through this place,” said Chiwenga.
He praised the long-standing partnership with China, which was instrumental in establishing the Gwanda lithium facility.
“The coming in of Gwanda Lithium is not by accident as it is another development initiative between friends. The Government commends the comprehensive strategic partnership with the Republic of China,” he said.
According to Gwanda Lithium Mine project director, Mr. Wilfred Motsi, the plant is a significant employer in the region.
“We receive the lithium ore and it goes through various stages of processing… In future we are looking forward to value add the concentrate,” said Motsi.
He revealed the plant currently employs 450 workers, 400 of whom are locals, and has a capacity to produce over 20,000 metric tonnes of lithium concentrate monthly, though output is currently hampered by water shortages.
Concluding his tour, VP Chiwenga urged all stakeholders to work together.
“The resource is here and it has to be utilised on a win-win basis,” he said, calling for unity between government, investors, and communities to ensure the nation’s mineral wealth builds a prosperous and inclusive economy.
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