Slow sulphate plant construction before Zimbabwe export decision

Slow progress at two lithium sulphate production facilities is likely to force the Zimbabwean government’s hand in how a lithium concentrate export ban planned for the end of this year is handled.

The government made the resumption of suspended hard rock lithium exports conditional on firm commitments from producers on bringing lithium sulphate production in-country, with a nominal deadline of January 2027, which a number of mines appear unlikely to achieve.