Zimbabwe currently does not have the technology at its borders to detect the full range of rare earth minerals that may be contained within lithium or other mineral exports, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, has told Parliament.
Responding to questions in the National Assembly, the minister acknowledged that while there are about 17 known rare earth minerals globally, Zimbabwe has not yet deployed detection technology at its border posts to identify them in export consignments.
Instead, the government is relying on laboratory testing within the country to analyse mineral compositions before shipments reach the borders.
The issue was raised by Zaka South legislator Clemence Chiduwa, who expressed concern that rare earth minerals could be leaving the country undetected through exports of principal minerals such as lithium, amid growing global demand driven by robotics, artificial intelligence and other high-tech industries.
In response, Kambamura said the government has already taken interim measures to curb potential leakages, including banning the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrates, a decision made two weeks ago.
Authorities are also closely monitoring export consignments to ensure that companies fully declare the composition of the minerals being shipped out of the country.
“We are currently developing a critical minerals and rare earth mineral policy which will guide how these minerals are developed, beneficiated and marketed,” the minister said.
He added that the policy framework is still under development.
He, however, confirmed that scanners capable of detecting mineral composition have not yet been installed at border posts.
“Currently, we have not yet deployed any technology at the border, but we are using our laboratories in the country, which are in the process of being upgraded, to scan export consignments before they reach our borders,” Kambamura said.
He added that the government plans to deploy scanners at border posts in the near future and establish internationally recognised laboratories at strategic locations across the country, including major cities, highways and ports of exit, to curb smuggling and under-declaration of minerals.
Meanwhile, lawmakers also raised concerns about whether Zimbabwe has adequate geological data on rare earth deposits.
Responding to the query, Kambamura said the government is currently relying on historical geological information but plans to conduct a geophysical aeromagnetic survey to identify and quantify mineral resources across the country.
The survey, he said, will help determine the location and extent of rare earth mineral deposits and guide future research and policy decisions in the sector.
Rare earth minerals are critical components in modern technologies, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and advanced electronics, making them increasingly strategic resources in the global economy.
Some of the rare earth minerals include Scandium and Yttrium.
Then there is the lanthanide series comprising of Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium among others.
