Zimbabwe’s Surprise Lithium Ban Scrambles Global Battery Supply Chains

Zimbabwe has fast-tracked an immediate ban on raw lithium exports to protect its domestic value chain, disrupting global battery supply chains and local mining operations. The ban, originally planned for 2027, was accelerated to incentivize local processing and refining rather than raw material export. The move has sent shockwaves through international lithium markets and battery manufacturers reliant on Zimbabwean supply.