Chinese mining giant Zijin Mining Group Co. is poised to commence lithium production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) early next year, tapping into one of the world’s largest lithium deposits.
The Manono project, located in southeastern Congo, is set to be the country’s first operating lithium mine, with production slated to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The DRC, already the world’s second-largest copper producer and the leading source of cobalt, is positioning itself as a significant player in the global lithium market.
Zijin’s involvement in the Manono project underscores Chinese companies’ growing interest in Africa’s lithium reserves, as they seek raw materials to feed domestic refineries and support the anticipated surge in lithium demand for batteries and electric vehicles.
Zijin, which operates mines for copper, gold, lithium, and zinc across five continents, described the Manono asset as “considerable,” with an average grade of 1.51% lithium oxide.
The company is developing the project as a joint venture with the Congolese state, having been granted a full operating license four months ago.
“We are very pleased to have received the Manono operating permit, and our priority is now to proceed with its development,” a Zijin spokesperson said.
The project will initially focus on manufacturing and exporting lithium concentrate and sulfate, with further refining considered once reliable power is available. Zijin has already rehabilitated a nearby hydroelectric plant to support operations.
Legal disputes cast a shadow over development
Despite these advancements, the Manono project is embroiled in a legal dispute with Australian mining company AVZ Minerals Ltd. It claims it was wrongfully stripped of its exploration license for the Manono site and has initiated arbitration proceedings against the Congolese government and Zijin.
Perth-based AVZ asserts that the Manono area encompasses “the largest hard rock lithium deposit in the world.” The company alleges that Congo illegally transferred the permit to Zijin in September 2023 and accuses the government of violating multiple injunctions issued by arbitration tribunals.
These injunctions reportedly require the suspension of any development activities on the disputed site until the legal cases are resolved.
“Congo’s government is in flagrant breach of multiple injunctions,” an AVZ spokesperson said via email. The company also disclosed that Australian Federal Police had recently raided its premises over corruption allegations linked to the Manono project, allegations which AVZ denies.
Zijin, however, maintains that it is operating within the bounds of the law. “We are in full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in Congo,” a spokesperson stated, adding that the company’s focus remains on advancing the project.
Potential for global impact
If the Manono project is developed to the scale envisioned in AVZ’s 2020 feasibility study, it would rank among the largest lithium mines in the world, rivaling Australia’s Greenbushes mine and the newly operational Goulamina project in Mali.
Analysts suggest that the Manono mine could remain profitable even at current depressed lithium prices, which have dropped nearly 90% since their 2022 peak.
Thomas Matthews, a battery materials analyst at CRU Group, highlighted the potential significance of the project: “Only a few giant projects globally would be larger if Manono reaches full production.”
Chinese companies investing in Africa’s lithium resources
Zijin’s move to develop the Manono project reflects broader trends among Chinese companies investing in Africa’s lithium resources, from Mali to Zimbabwe.
Despite volatile prices, these companies are betting on strong long-term demand for lithium driven by the global energy transition.
Congo’s Ministry of Mines did not respond to requests for comment on the legal dispute or the status of the Manono project.
As Zijin pushes forward with its plans, all eyes will be on the resolution of the legal battle and the operational milestones leading to Congo’s entry into the global lithium market.
The outcome of this high-stakes endeavor could reshape the DRC’s mining landscape and bolster its position in the global battery materials supply chain.