• Zimbabwe, Africa’s largest lithium producer, will begin lithium sulphate production in early 2026
  • Prospect Lithium Plant in Goromonzi is a US$400 million facility owned by China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt
  • Zimbabwe plans to ban raw lithium concentrate exports from 2027 to encourage local beneficiation

Harare - Zimbabwe, Africa’s largest lithium producer, is set to enter the global lithium sulphate market with the first production from the newly completed US$400 million plant at Prospect Lithium Mine in Goromonzi.

This marks a pivotal moment in the country’s mining and industrial landscape, signalling a shift toward value-added processing as part of its broader economic strategy. The facility, owned by China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2026, ahead of the government’s planned ban on raw lithium concentrate exports in 2027.

Lithium, a key component in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and consumer electronics, has become a strategic resource globally. Zimbabwe has moved to capture more value from its abundant lithium reserves by encouraging domestic processing rather than exporting raw concentrate. This approach aims to elevate the country from a mineral exporter to a hub for value-added products, generating employment, foreign exchange, and industrial growth.

The Prospect Lithium plant, located within Huayou’s wholly owned Arcadia mine, will process 3.6 million tonnes of ore annually, producing approximately 1.5 million tonnes of concentrate across three lithium sulphate production lines.

According to Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe General Manager Henry Zhu, the first line will commence production in January 2026, with the remaining lines expected to be operational by April. Once fully commissioned, the plant’s output could exceed 60,000 tonnes annually, though the exact quantity will depend on the plant’s configuration and early operational adjustments.

Lithium sulphate is an intermediate product that can be refined into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate, which are essential for global EV and renewable energy markets. By producing lithium sulphate domestically, Zimbabwe aims to retain more value from its mineral wealth and establish a foundation for downstream industries, including battery manufacturing.

The plant represents a major step in Zimbabwe’s plan to generate over US$1 billion in lithium export revenue. It also reflects growing confidence from international investors, particularly Chinese mining companies that dominate Zimbabwe’s lithium sector.

Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt acquired the Arcadia mine for US$422 million in 2022 and commissioned a US$300 million lithium concentrator in 2023. The company exported 400,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate from Zimbabwe in 2024, highlighting its market presence.

Other Chinese companies, including Sinomine, Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua Group, and Tsingshan Holding, have invested heavily in Zimbabwe’s lithium industry. Sinomine plans to build a US$500 million lithium sulphate plant at its Bikita mine, reflecting a trend of foreign investors capitalizing on domestic processing opportunities. These developments coincide with Zimbabwe’s 2027 policy to prohibit raw lithium exports, designed to ensure that the economic benefits of the country’s mineral wealth remain in the country.

Zimbabwe heavily  relies on gold, pgms and tobacco for exports . However, the global surge in lithium demand, driven by the EV revolution and renewable energy expansion, has created an opportunity for the country to diversify its mineral economy.

Strategic investments in beneficiation, such as the Prospect Lithium plant, could pave the way for the development of downstream industries, including battery manufacturing, chemical processing, and high-tech applications, contributing to long-term economic transformation.

The government has emphasized that the success of projects like Prospect Lithium depends not only on foreign investment but also on supporting infrastructure, energy security, and regulatory stability. Zimbabwe has been improving its mining policy framework to attract investors while ensuring local communities benefit from employment and skills development opportunities.

The development of lithium sulphate processing capacity also aligns Zimbabwe with global sustainability trends. Through  enabling local refinement of lithium for batteries, the country can position itself as a key player in the green energy supply chain, supplying ethically sourced African lithium to markets in Europe, Asia, and North America.

As global competition for battery metals intensifies, Zimbabwe’s integrated approach ,combining resource development, beneficiation, and industrial policy ,offers a blueprint for other African nations rich in critical minerals. The Prospect Lithium plant is not only a symbol of Zimbabwe’s mining ambition but also a tangible step toward industrial diversification, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth.

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