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    Why All Eyes Are On Zimbabwe’s Lithium Industry



    Zimbabwe has been mining lithium for 60 years and the government estimates that its Chinese-owned Bikita mine, which is located 300 km south of the capital Harare, has about 11 million metric tons of lithium resources.

    In an effort to reclaim control of its mineral exports, Zimbabwe passed the Base Mineral Export Control Act in 2022, which banned the export of raw lithium. However, some Chinese-owned companies that are developing mines and processing plants in the country are exempt from this ban.

    With the world going electric, African countries will play a critical role in the electric vehicle battery supply chain. In 2009, China overtook the U.S. as Africa’s largest trading partner and accounted for 70 percent of global EV battery production capacity leaving the U.S. behind.

    CNBC explores Zimbabwe’s mining sector to find out why China has a stronghold on the country and why it matters to the U.S..

    Chapters:
    0:00 — Introduction
    02:29 — Zimbabwe’s resources
    07:15 — East vs. West
    13:32 — Steps to reclaim

    Produced by: Sydney Boyo
    Supervising Producer: Jeniece Pettitt
    Editorial Support: Shawn Baldwin, Erin Black, Ted Kemp, Matthew Clinch, Elliot Smith
    Graphics by: Mallory Brangan, Jason Reginato

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    Why All Eyes Are On Zimbabwe’s Lithium Industry

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    20 Comments

    2. Carlos Garcao on

      I am not aware of any country in wich china is present that have why rates of development. Not even of transfering tecnologie or industry

    3. phildazz on

      Do you think they will be able to keep the West out? Do you think the USA sanctions on Zimbabwe are justified? Did the USA build anything in Africa, excluding military and drone bases?

    4. M Africa on

      Zimbabwe must never forget, America forced sanctions on you when Mugabe took land from its White citizens which nearly desttoued Zimbabwes economy. Zimbabwe should not do business with America unless it profits Zimbabwe, because America is not and will never be your friend.

    5. Charles Bonde on

      As a Zimbabwean ,in South Africa ,our leader is very stupid in mind ,He selling 10 , something billion dollars lithium he fails to supply free schools and hospitality and also to share us million dollar for a person since we are 15 million in population

    8. milena Ivanova on

      I am from Bulgaria. Canada is mining our gold. They give us 3% ot the gold. I think China give 50% if they mind it. But I don''t think Bulgaria can take it's own gold. Because someone can attack us if we did it.

    10. TIANA BEE on

      America is scared with their threat of doller y'all can off let Africa print their own money and we wont need any westerners but we do not need them we have everything….Africa is blessed with all let start trading within continent and you will see how the westerners will try bring war

    16. Trey on

      United states ugh opportunity invest build relationships with Africa why not? Biting us in the butt?

    17. Victor Judge on

      Surprisingly people are trading without fear of making losses, while so many people out there are patiently waiting for BTC price to skyrocket

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