Mineral exports jump 84 percent to US$2.5 billion

Zimbabwe's mineral export earnings skyrocketed 84 percent to US$2.532 billion in the first half of 2026, official data from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) showed on Tuesday. The figures revealed broad-based growth across the mining sector, with lithium, gold, and platinum registering significant gains. Lithium exports alone generated US$746 million, spodumene concentrates earning US$672.8 million and lithium sulphate US$73.2 million. The surge was propelled by elevated global commodity prices and increased production capacity at the country's lithium mines. The robust half-year performance cements the mining sector's role as the principal source of foreign exchange and a buffer against economic shocks.