Zimbabwe’s mineral exports generated US$3.4 billion in 2025, as improved market conditions and stronger performance across platinum group metals, lithium, steel and ferro-alloys outweighed pressure in diamonds and chrome concentrates.
Cumulative mineral sales for the year reached 4,890,720.05 metric tonnes, exceeding the budgeted 4,756,352.64 metric tonnes, while export value surpassed the US$3.2 billion target. Compared to 2024, export volumes increased by 61 percent, while export value rose 14 percent.
Platinum Group Metals remained the largest contributor to export earnings. PGM matte sales rose 71 percent in value to US$1.5 billion, supported by firm global prices and gains in platinum, palladium and rhodium.
However, PGM concentrate exports declined as producers shifted toward downstream beneficiation through toll-processing arrangements.
Pretty Musonza, Corporate Communications Executive at the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, said the results reflected operational and market-driven improvements.
“The performance reflects improved market conditions, enhanced operational efficiencies and the benefits of strategic systems upgrades,” said Musonza.
Related Stories
Lithium exports reached 1,522,893.93 metric tonnes, generating US$571.6 million, outperforming annual volume and revenue targets by 33 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Pollucite exports declined sharply in volume to 2,311 metric tonnes, a 79 percent decrease, although revenue of US$6.18 million exceeded projections by 55 percent.
Ferro-alloy exports totalled 433,293 metric tonnes, valued at US$372 million, representing a 19 percent increase in volume and an 11 percent increase in value compared to 2024. High-carbon ferrochrome accounted for 427,444 metric tonnes, valued at US$365 million.
Chrome ore concentrate exports amounted to 886,752 metric tonnes, generating US$150 million. While volumes increased marginally by less than one percent year-on-year, revenue declined 12 percent due to lower average market prices.
Steel exports recorded a sharp recovery, with sales reaching US$92.1 million from 146,314 metric tonnes, compared to US$16.7 million from 80,476 metric tonnes in the previous year.
Musonza said value growth during the year was not uniform across all minerals.
“Value growth, however, was partially constrained by lower rough diamond sales volumes, depressed diamond prices and heightened competition in the coke market, which necessitated strategic price adjustments to maintain market share,” she said.
MMCZ has set a US$3.5 billion revenue target for 2026, supported by projected strength in platinum group metals, expectations of recovery in lithium prices and continued demand for steel and metallurgical products.
Leave Comments