Zimbabwe has banned all raw mineral and lithium concentrate exports, in a move aimed at strengthening government control over its key mineral resources. Zimbabwe's Ministry of Mines stated in a press release that the ban is effective immediately and will remain in effect 'until further notice' on all minerals, including those still in transit. According to the statement, Zimbabwe's Minister of Mines, Polite Kambamura, said the government is counting on the cooperation of the mining sector in this measure taken in the national interest. He added that the government is committed to ensuring transparency, local processing and value addition, compliance with commitments, and accountability in the export of Zimbabwe's mineral resources. Located in southern Africa, Zimbabwe has the continent's largest lithium reserves. The country exports this mineral in large quantities to China, where it is used in the production of electric vehicle batteries.