The government has maintained its stance on the export of minerals in their raw forms.

The Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga, reiterated this stance when the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises sought clarity following the announcement prohibiting the export of critical minerals without value addition.

As the discussion of the energy transition progresses, countries globally are recognising the growing importance of what are referred to as critical minerals.

These include minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and tanzanite.

The Cabinet has banned exports of lithium and other critical minerals and rare earth elements.

This follows a submission by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, to this effect.

The export of lithium in its raw form has been the focus of some communities and activists lately.

There have been demonstrations by traditional communities, particularly in the Erongo Region, where the sought-after mineral is found in large quantities.