By: Rear earth exchange

Italy’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Giuseppe Giacalone, recently described the country as offering “interesting opportunities” in rare earths and critical minerals, characterizing it as relatively stable and economically dynamic. These remarks, made at an Italian foreign ministry conference, are seen as diplomatic signaling—optimistic yet non-committal.

While Zimbabwe possesses significant rare earth deposits, particularly in carbonatite complexes like Shawa, it currently lacks commercial-scale processing infrastructure and downstream capabilities. The mining sector is heavily influenced by Chinese investment, which controls an estimated 90% of the industry. Companies such as Premier African Minerals are actively exploring rare earth projects, including the Katete Project.

A 2025 policy paper by researchers Farai Nyika and Meshel Muzuva argues that Zimbabwe should treat rare earths as a strategic asset for industrialization. The authors propose nationalizing the rare earth sector, prioritizing domestic beneficiation over raw material exports, and building local capacity to produce finished goods related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. They stress that success depends on strong governance, transparency, and adherence to ESG standards, rather than geology alone.

Analysts note that while European interest in diversifying critical mineral supply chains is growing, meaningful investment in Zimbabwe would require significant capital, improved infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and long-term offtake agreements. For now, Italy’s comments reflect a broader European strategy to scout new mineral sources, rather than indicating immediate, project-level commitments.