Zimbabwe has designated 14 minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt and
graphite, as strategic minerals subject to equity and export controls and
established a principle that the state may enforce mandatory minimum ownership
via designated special-purpose vehicles (SPVs). Zhongkuang Resources said after
local checks the 'minimum shareholding' is the personal view of the minister of
Mines and Mining Development, not formal policy or government position, and
currently has no impact on the company; it added that if pursued the approach
would likely apply only to new mines, not existing operations. Tianhua Xinneng
said the change has no immediate impact on the company. Separately, Zimbabwe's
lithium export restrictions this year have created a supply gap; domestic
lithium ore supply in China may be tight in May–June, and market estimates say
prices could rise toward 250,000 yuan/ton in the next 2–3 months.
