China warns firms in Zimbabwe after mineral export ban

The government of China has advised Chinese enterprises operating within Zimbabwe to strengthen their risk prevention measures and compliance awareness. This directive follows a recent move by the Zimbabwean government to suspend the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrates. Zimbabwe, which stands as Africa's top producer of lithium, announced the export suspension on February 25, citing the need to curb alleged malpractices and mineral leakages. This policy shift significantly impacts the operations of several major Chinese mining firms that dominate the local lithium and chrome sectors. Among the primary entities affected are Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd, Sinomine Resource Group Co., Ltd., and Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Co., Ltd., as well as the Tsingshan Holding Group and Chengxin Lithium Group. In an official statement, the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe urged its nationals and businesses to strictly uphold local laws and protect their interests through established legal channels. > "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 further noted that investors must fully account for operational risks to avoid potential financial losses resulting from sudden changes in government policy. While Chinese investment has been a cornerstone of the Zimbabwean economy, non-governmental organizations have frequently raised concerns regarding labor and environmental standards. These claims have been denied by the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe, which represents the interests of major Chinese firms in the country. China has become the dominant foreign investor in Zimbabwe since 2000, particularly after the African nation faced sanctions and diplomatic friction with Western powers. Since 2021, Chinese battery metal companies have invested more than $1.4 billion into Zimbabwean lithium assets, securing a significant portion of the global supply chain. In 2025, Zimbabwe exported 1.128 million tons of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate to China, accounting for approximately 15% of the Asian nation's total lithium concentrate imports for that year.