Zimbabwe's top critical mineral could be in focus as the US commits $300 million to detach from China

The United States' recent drive to secure critical mineral supplies may open up opportunities for Zimbabwe, Africa's largest lithium producer, as Washington seeks to lessen its reliance on China for battery materials.

The United States Department of Defense has announced intentions to initiate a strategic lithium stockpile and to purchase around 36 million pounds (16,000 tonnes) of battery-grade lithium carbonate over the next five years under a $300 million contract.

The project, spearheaded by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), demonstrates Washington's growing emphasis on critical minerals, which have become important to economic and national security as global competition for battery materials heats up.

According to procurement documents, as seen on Bloomberg, the DLA has requested that suppliers submit fixed-price offers for delivery over five years.

The U.S. government stated that it wants to spend a minimum of $1 million and up to $300 million on the contract, with bids due by July 17.