Zimbabwe has suspended exports of lithium concentrate and ore in an effort to encourage mining companies to establish processing operations in the country. Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines said Wednesday that the export ban takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. African governments have long sought to compel mining companies to process minerals locally in order to derive greater economic benefits from their national resources. According to official data, Zimbabwe possesses one of Africa’s largest lithium reserves and is among the world’s leading producers, with estimated resources of 126 million tons. Zimbabwe’s mining minister stated that the ban will only be lifted if miners comply with government requirements. Last year, the country announced it would ban exports of lithium concentrate by 2027 as part of efforts to encourage foreign mining companies to develop refining operations locally.