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.

Economically advanced countries are increasingly concerned about access to these minerals.

They are, therefore, exploring agreements with countries possessing these minerals to ensure access and a stable supply.

In this regard, Shilunga mentioned that her ministry has recently signed several memoranda of understanding with various countries.

Shilunga emphasised that minerals should not be extracted and exported in their raw form or with minimal local value addition.

Shilunga further stated that some minerals, such as diamonds and zinc, are already undergoing local value addition.

She emphasised that the ultimate goal is to ensure that value is added locally to all minerals.