By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s push to beneficiate and add value to minerals is paying off, with the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe facilitating exports worth $2.532 billion in the first half of 2026.
That marks an 84% increase from $1.376 billion recorded in the same period in 2025, driven largely by processed and semi-processed commodities.
MMCZ General Manager Dr Nomusa Jane Moyo attributed the jump to growing global demand, favorable commodity prices and the impact of the government’s beneficiation and value addition policy.
“The $2.532 billion recorded demonstrates the impact of the beneficiation and value addition policy,” Moyo said in a statement released Friday on the corporation’s H1 performance.
“Based on the market trends and performance of our key mineral commodities, we are confident of surpassing our projected annual revenue this year.”
The export basket reflects the shift. Platinum group metals matte remained MMCZ’s dominant export, contributing 33.93% of total export value. It was followed by spodumene concentrates at 26.57% and PGM concentrates at 13.73%.
The three value-added commodities accounted for more than 74% of total exports, showing how beneficiation is moving Zimbabwe away from raw ore exports toward higher-value products.
Officials said the performance positions MMCZ to exceed its annual target as global demand for battery minerals and PGMs remains strong.
