The government of China on Thursday advised its companies operating in Zimbabwe to “strengthen risk prevention and compliance awareness” following the country’s decision to suspend exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates, Reuters reported.
Zimbabwe, Africa’s top lithium producer, announced the export suspension on February 25, citing alleged malpractices and resource leakages.
Chinese mining companies, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine Resource Group, Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua Industrial Group, and Tsingshan Holding Group, play a dominant role in Zimbabwe’s lithium and chrome mining industries.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe urged Chinese enterprises and nationals to comply strictly with local laws and regulations while safeguarding their rights and interests through legal means.
“Prior to making investments in Zimbabwe, investors shall conduct a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of the local business environment, industrial policies and relevant laws and regulations,” the embassy said.
Don’t Miss This:
Sinomine In Discussions With Zimbabwean Authorities To Restart Lithium Exports After Concentrate Ban
It further advised that investors should “fully consider various investment and operational risks, and make informed decisions so as to avoid losses resulting from government policy changes”.
Non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe have frequently accused Chinese firms of failing to meet environmental and labour standards, allegations that the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe has denied.
China has become a major investor in Zimbabwe’s economy, committing billions of dollars to the mining and energy sectors since 2000, when the African nation fell out with Western countries over allegations of human rights abuses.
Since 2021, Chinese battery metal companies have invested more than $1.4 billion in Zimbabwe’s lithium assets, reinforcing China’s leading position in the global battery metals supply chain.
In 2025, Zimbabwe exported 1.128 million tons of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate to China, accounting for approximately 15% of China’s total lithium concentrate imports during the year.
Don’t Miss This:
Zimbabwe Expands AI And Digital Governance Partnership With UNESCO
Image Credit: The South African Times
