Zimbabwe Bans Exports of Unprocessed ‘Base Mineral’ Ore (1)

Zimbabwe imposed a ban on exports of raw “base mineral” ore with immediate effect to boost domestic processing of its resources, according to an order by Mines Minister Winston Chitando.

Base minerals include coal but exclude precious metals, stones and natural gas, according to the notice. “No unbeneficiated base mineral ores shall be exported from Zimbabwe to another country except under written permit of the minister,” the notice said.

The southern African nation has already prohibited unprocessed raw lithium and unpolished granite exports as part of policies designed to create jobs and revenue by processing more of its natural ...