Zimbabwe records 84% mineral export growth

Zimbabwe’s mineral export revenues rose by 84 per cent in the first half of 2026, reaching a record $2.532 billion compared with $1.376 billion during the same period last year.

The latest official figures, reported by TV BRICS, show that three major mineral categories accounted for more than 74 per cent of total export earnings.

According to the report, platinum group metals (PGMs) remained the largest contributor, generating 33.93 per cent of total export value.

While spodumene concentrates, a key source of lithium, accounted for 26.57 per cent, PGM concentrates represented 13.73 per cent of overall mineral exports.

The report also highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing role in supplying minerals used in renewable energy technologies and battery production.

A notable milestone was achieved in April 2026, when the country exported its first shipment of lithium sulphate, marking Zimbabwe’s entry into the midstream lithium processing segment.

Officials noted that expanding domestic mineral processing strengthens the country’s position in global mineral value chains while supporting the development of higher-value exports. 

(TV BRICS/NAN)