Namibia has prohibited the export of unprocessed lithium and other key minerals to capitalise on rising worldwide demand for metals used in sustainable energy technology.
"Cabinet approved the prohibition of exporting certain critical minerals such as unprocessed crushed lithium ore, cobalt, manganese, graphite, and rare earth minerals," Namibia's communication ministry was quoted by Reuters as saying in a statement.
It said that only modest quantities of the minerals would be permitted for exports following consent from the mines minister.
The country has considerable deposits of lithium, which is essential for renewable energy storage, as well as rare earth minerals such as dysprosium and terbium, which are required for permanent magnets in electric vehicles and wind turbine batteries.
Namibia is also a major supplier of uranium and gem-quality diamonds, but its battery metals are gaining popularity as the globe swings away from polluting fuels and towards renewable energy.
Zimbabwe, another African lithium producer, restricted lithium ore exports last December, allowing only concentrates to be exported.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
"Cabinet approved the prohibition of exporting certain critical minerals such as unprocessed crushed lithium ore, cobalt, manganese, graphite, and rare earth minerals," Namibia's communication ministry was quoted by Reuters as saying in a statement.
It said that only modest quantities of the minerals would be permitted for exports following consent from the mines minister.
The country has considerable deposits of lithium, which is essential for renewable energy storage, as well as rare earth minerals such as dysprosium and terbium, which are required for permanent magnets in electric vehicles and wind turbine batteries.
Namibia is also a major supplier of uranium and gem-quality diamonds, but its battery metals are gaining popularity as the globe swings away from polluting fuels and towards renewable energy.
Zimbabwe, another African lithium producer, restricted lithium ore exports last December, allowing only concentrates to be exported.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
