Zimbabwe recorded a notable 30% increase in exports of spodumene—a lithium-bearing mineral crucial for battery manufacturing—in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to figures from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) cited by Reuters.
📈 Growth in Export Volumes
Between January and June 2025, Zimbabwe exported over 586,000 tons of spodumene, up from around 452,000 tons during the first half of the previous year. This swift growth was achieved despite a global decline in lithium prices, which has been driven by an oversupply and weakening demand from automakers.
💡 Key Factors Driving Expansion
Zimbabwe stands as Africa's leading lithium producer, extracting the mineral mainly in the form of spodumene. The export upsurge is largely attributed to increased output at major mining sites and a sharp rise in shipments to China, which remains the world's top importer of spodumene.
Although global market prices for lithium have dropped, experts note that Zimbabwe is effectively offsetting the impact of lower prices by ramping up export volumes and strengthening strategic trade partnerships.
🏗️ Mining Boom in Egypt
Meanwhile, Egypt has seen its mineral resource production soar by 131% to nearly $446 million, driven mainly by gold and silver mining. This remarkable growth is credited to a more favorable investment climate fostered under Egypt's Vision 2030 strategy.
The Egyptian government has implemented significant mining sector reforms, including a new mineral resources law attractive to foreign investors, as well as investments in geological exploration and skilled workforce training.
🌍 Broader Outlook
As countries across Africa harness their mineral wealth, enhanced regulatory frameworks and international partnerships are positioning them as leading suppliers of critical minerals for the global clean energy transition.
Reported by Evgenia Mylnikova
