US courts Zimbabwe for critical minerals supply

THE United States government has made overtures to engage Zimbabwe “on mutually beneficial supply chain transactions” as Washington moves to secure critical minerals around the world. President Trump said the stockpile would “ensure that American businesses and workers are never harmed by any shortages”. The ongoing scramble for strategic minerals has renewed attention on mineral-rich countries such as Zimbabwe.

“The United States is diversifying its sources for critical minerals around the world,” the US Embassy in Harare said in a post on its X handle. “We are ready to engage with Zimbabwe on mutually beneficial supply chain transactions.” Zimbabwe occupies a pivotal position in the global minerals market. It is Africa’s largest lithium producer, holds the world’s sixth-largest lithium reserves and is positioning itself to supply up to 20 percent of global demand for the mineral.