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Zimbabwe's rail infrastructure issues are a major obstacle for its mining sector, increasing transport costs and diminishing the global competitiveness of local minerals. The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe attributes these challenges to decades of neglect and aging equipment, particularly affecting bulk commodities like coal, chrome, and lithium.

Mineral sales reached 4.8Mt in 2025, generating $3.4bn, but growth is constrained by reliance on road transport. Experts advocate for local processing to boost job creation and revenue. While government officials promote mining investments, critics highlight the absence of a coherent strategy. Zimbabwe aims for $3.5bn in mineral sales this financial year.