Zimbabwe's rapid ascent to major lithium player

Zimbabwe has seen unprecedented growth in lithium production over the past three years. From less than 10 kt LCE per year pre-2023 to an expected output of over 150 kt LCE this year, or approximately a third of the output of Australia, the world's largest lithium producer. Following a recent tour of Zimbabwe's lithium mines, in this Insight we examine the country's swift progress from relatively minor lithium producer to top four lithium player, and analyse the driving forces behind it, factors that exist to maintain this momentum and share our key takeaways from the trip.