Zijin Mining Group plans to begin lithium production in early 2026 at the Manono project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is contested by Australia’s AVZ Minerals. The joint venture, now licensed for full mining, aims to be the DRC’s first operational lithium mine, amid rising global demand for battery metals despite current price drops.
China’s Zijin Mining Group has announced plans to commence lithium production from the Manono project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by early 2026. This project is recognized as one of the largest lithium deposits globally. However, it faces contention from Australia’s AVZ Minerals, which is pursuing arbitration against both the DRC government and Zijin to reclaim its exploration license. According to a spokesperson from Zijin, the commencement of operations will position this site as the first lithium mine in the DRC, strategically important as the country is a leading producer of copper and cobalt.
Chinese enterprises, including Zijin, have aggressively invested in Africa’s lithium resources despite a nearly 90 percent decline in lithium prices since their peak in 2022. Zijin’s investments are motivated by ambitions to secure raw materials for lithium refineries in anticipation of a significant increase in future consumption within the energy vehicle and storage sectors. Over the short term, Zijin acknowledges the continuing supply surplus in the lithium market but sees potential demand growth in the long term.
Zijin is developing the Manono project in collaboration with the Congolese state and recently secured a full mining license. The project has an average lithium oxide grade of 1.51 percent, indicating substantial potential for production. Besides its lithium projects in the DRC, Zijin also manages lithium operations in China and Argentina, reflecting its diversified approach to global mining efforts.
Zijin Mining Group is a prominent player in the global mining sector, with a portfolio that includes copper, gold, lithium, and zinc mines across several continents. The DRC is becoming increasingly important in the lithium market due to its vast mineral resources, particularly as demand for lithium surges in line with the growth in electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. Despite the current downturn in lithium prices, companies like Zijin continue to invest in securing future supply chains, underscoring the strategic significance of these resources.
In summary, Zijin Mining Group’s initiative to produce lithium from the Manono project marks an important development in the DRC’s mining landscape. With the potential for significant production in the first quarter of 2026, the project underscores the ongoing investment interest in African lithium resources, even amidst fluctuating market prices. As demand for lithium remains robust in the long term, Zijin’s activities may pave the way for further exploration and mining efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
