In a landmark achievement for Zimbabwe’s mining sector and Africa’s role in the global energy transition from fossil fuel to green energy, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, has exported the continent’s first batch of lithium sulphate. Produced at the Arcadia lithium mine near Harare, this shipment marks the first lithium salt ever processed and exported from Zimbabwe, shifting the country from raw ore exporter to producer of higher-value battery materials.
The USD 400 million processing facility, inaugurated in October 2025, boasts an annual capacity of 50,000 metric tons of lithium sulphate, a critical precursor for electric vehicle batteries. This success comes shortly after Zimbabwe had a conditional ban on raw lithium concentrate exports to promote local value addition and curb alleged leakages.
Zhejiang Huayou’s investment exemplifies deepening Sino-African collaboration in critical minerals. For Zimbabwe, Africa’s leading lithium producer, the milestone advances its industrialisation agenda, potentially boosting export earnings and creating skilled jobs. It positions the nation more strategically in the global clean energy supply chain, though challenges around sustainability, technology transfer, and equitable benefits remain. This historic export heralds a new chapter in resource-driven development.
Meanwhile in Nigeria’s lithium belt, Hasetins Commodities Ltd, is a Nigerian indigenous mining and processing company focused on critical minerals, including rare earth elements, coltan, and lithium concentrates. It's flagship USD400 million rare earth and critical metals processing plant in Nasarawa State, with 12,000 tons per annum capacity, broke ground in late 2025.
Positioned as Africa’s largest such facility, it supports value addition, job creation, and reduced raw exports. While exact full operational timelines are yet to crystallize, construction progress suggests commissioning could begin in 2026-2027, aligning with Nigeria’s push for domestic mineral refining.
Africa is emerging as a key player in the global lithium supply chain, with several countries advancing from exploration to production and export of lithium concentrates, primarily spodumene. While Zimbabwe dominates current output, nations like Mali (Ganfeng Lithium), Ghana (Atlantic Lithium), Namibia (Lepedico), and the DRC (Andrada Mining) host significant operations focused on mining, processing, and exporting to major markets, especially China.