HOW TO EXPORT MINERALS FROM ZIMBABWE
A practical walkthrough for minerals exporters in Zimbabwe — from securing the export permit to receiving buyer payment. Built from real shipments through Beitbridge → Durban.
1. Confirm mining title and royalty
Active mining licence with Ministry of Mines & Mining Development and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA); Fidelity Printers & Refiners (gold). Royalty: Gold 5 % (large scale) / 1–3 % (small scale), platinum 7 %, lithium concentrate 5 %, diamonds 10 %.
2. Lock the buyer contract
Fixed payable %, TC/RC, freight basis (FOB/CIF), payment terms (sight LC strongly preferred for first shipment), assay arbitration clause.
3. Independent assay and weighing
Engage SGS / Bureau Veritas / ALS for sampling, moisture and assay. Insist on umpire clause in the contract.
4. Documents
Compile the full document pack:
- Mining title & EMA certificate
- Export permit (Ministry of Mines)
- Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Form CD1 for foreign exchange
- ZIMRA Bill of Entry
- Independent assay
- Lithium: value-add proof since 2023 export ban on raw lithium ore
- Bill of Lading / AWB
5. Logistics
Route via Beitbridge → Durban; Forbes → Beira; Harare airport for precious. Gold must be sold to Fidelity unless export permit granted.. Use a bonded transporter for cross-border, and an experienced clearing agent at the exit point.
6. Common mistakes to avoid
Real-world traps that delay or block shipments:
- Exporting raw lithium ore (banned since Dec 2022 — must beneficiate)
- Not lodging CD1 with RBZ → forex retention penalty
- Selling gold outside Fidelity channel without explicit permit
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for every minerals shipment?
In Zimbabwe, yes — each shipment needs an export permit reference tied to the mining licence, even under a long-term offtake.
What payment terms should I demand?
First-time buyer: 90–100 % sight LC against shipping documents. Repeat buyers: 80 % provisional on shipment, 20 % final on umpire assay.