Zimbabwe records strongest mineral export growth in first half of 2026

Zimbabwe’s mineral export revenues rose by 84 per cent in the first half of 2026, reaching a record US$2.532 billion compared with US$1.376 billion during the same period last year, the latest official figures show. This was reported by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

Three major mineral categories accounted for more than 74 per cent of total export earnings. Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) remained the largest contributor, generating 33.93 per cent of total export value. Spodumene concentrates, a key source of lithium, accounted for 26.57 per cent, while 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 the expansion of domestic mineral processing is strengthening the country's position in global mineral value chains while supporting the development of higher-value exports.