Zimbabwe will require chrome miners to build furnaces before granting large mining permits. The government wants companies that request more than 100 hectares to expand local processing capacity first. Officials also plan to take away unused mining rights from companies that hold them without working the land. The changes aim to boost the country's ferrochrome production instead of shipping raw materials overseas. Chrome helps make stainless steel and remains valuable for local manufacturing.
The nation operates 10 ferrochrome plants that produce between 3,000 and 84,000 tons each year. Total production reaches about 270,000 tons annually across all facilities. The Palm River Project started operations earlier this year with 100,000 tons of capacity. The facility plans to expand production to one million tons and become the country's largest producer. Government officials banned chrome ore exports to keep materials for domestic processing.
Zimbabwe also produces lithium ore that powers electric car batteries around the world. Two companies are building plants to process lithium into more valuable products. Starting January 2027, the country will stop allowing companies to export raw lithium concentrate. The government wants local factories to turn raw minerals into finished goods that sell for higher prices.
The nation operates 10 ferrochrome plants that produce between 3,000 and 84,000 tons each year. Total production reaches about 270,000 tons annually across all facilities. The Palm River Project started operations earlier this year with 100,000 tons of capacity. The facility plans to expand production to one million tons and become the country's largest producer. Government officials banned chrome ore exports to keep materials for domestic processing.
Zimbabwe also produces lithium ore that powers electric car batteries around the world. Two companies are building plants to process lithium into more valuable products. Starting January 2027, the country will stop allowing companies to export raw lithium concentrate. The government wants local factories to turn raw minerals into finished goods that sell for higher prices.
