Global Courant
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Namibia recently declared a ban on the export of raw critical minerals, including lithium, to capitalize on rising global demand for metals used in clean energy technologies. The decision, announced by the government on Thursday, should ensure that the country benefits from the growing market for these raw materials.
Namibia, located in southern Africa, has significant reserves of lithium that are crucial for renewable energy storage. In addition, the country possesses rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium, which are necessary for the production of permanent magnets used in electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines.
According to a statement from the country’s Ministry of Information, the cabinet has approved the ban on the export of certain critical minerals in raw form. Unprocessed ground lithium ore, cobalt, manganese, graphite and rare earths are among the restricted minerals. However, small quantities of these minerals may be exported with permission from the Minister of Mines.
Namibia has long been known as a world leader in the production of gem-quality uranium and diamonds. However, as the world shifts from environmentally harmful fuels to renewable energy sources, the country’s battery metals have received a lot of attention.
Namibia signed an agreement with the European Union last year to supply rare earths as part of the EU’s strategy to reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals.
In Namibia, numerous companies are involved in critical mineral projects. Prospect Resources and Arcadia Minerals, both of which are listed in Australia, are among them, as is Askari Metals. Celsius Resources and Namibia Critical Metals both work on cobalt and rare earth projects.
Similarly, Zimbabwe, another major African lithium producer, banned the export of lithium ore in December of the previous year. The country now only allows the export of lithium concentrates. The Zimbabwean government expressed a desire for lithium miners to establish a local production of battery-grade lithium and hinted at future export duties on lithium concentrates.
Namibia’s decision to ban the export of raw critical minerals reflects the country’s determination to capitalize on its abundant mineral resources for economic growth and to meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies. Namibia hopes to establish itself as a major player in the global clean energy sector while reducing its reliance on raw material exports by adding value to these minerals domestically.
Namibia implements ban on unprocessed critical minerals
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