HARARE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe on Wednesday suspended the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrates to enhance accountability, promote beneficiation, and maximize value retention in the country.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura said in a statement that the measure has been taken in the national interest as the country seeks to promote transparency, in-country value addition and beneficiation, compliance, and accountability in the exploration of Zimbabwe's mineral resources.
"To this effect, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, and regulators are advised to observe the suspension without exception," Kambamura said, adding that the ministry will engage the industry in the near future on new expectations and the way forward.
The minister said only mining companies with valid mining titles and approved beneficiation plants will be allowed to export all other minerals.
"The ministry will at any time test to verify the mineral composition of each consignment," the minister said, adding that continuation of an expired or already exhausted export permit is a serious offense that warrants withdrawal of the export permit and mining title.
Zimbabwe is endowed with abundant mineral resources, including gold, platinum group metals, lithium, and chrome, with the mining sector playing a significant role in the national economy. ■
