Polite Kambamura

Polite Kambamura is the Minister of Mines and Mining Development in Zimbabwe. He is currently newsworthy due to his role in implementing a ban on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates from Zimbabwe. This ban, announced in late February 2026, was implemented with immediate effect and remains in place until further notice. The stated aim is to maximize domestic returns from Zimbabwe's mineral resources. This policy shift is significant because Zimbabwe possesses substantial reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, which are vital for global supply chains, particularly those related to electric vehicle batteries and other technologies. The ban is intended to encourage domestic processing and value addition, but it is also putting pressure on international supply chains, especially those involving China, which relies on African resources. Kambamura has stated that the industry increased production and export volumes following notice of the intended ban.