China’s Zijin Mining is set to begin lithium production in June at the Manono deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a major step in Beijing’s broader push to secure strategic mineral resources across Africa.
The Manono project, developed in partnership with Congolese state miner Cominiere, is regarded as one of the largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium reserves globally. .
Its development places the DRC at the centre of intensifying global competition for battery metals vital to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
Company officials confirmed that initial production will begin this month, with exports scheduled to follow immediately. The updated timeline accelerates earlier projections that had targeted a first-quarter 2026 launch.
Cominiere’s Managing Director, Alpha Monga Mwidia, stated that the project will ship its first lithium volumes shortly after output begins.
However, neither Zijin nor its Congolese partner disclosed projected production volumes for the first year.
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Despite the production milestone, the Manono deposit remains under international arbitration.
In 2023, the Congolese government revoked the mining license of Australia’s AVZ Minerals, citing delays in project development.
The government subsequently endorsed a new partnership involving Zijin Mining and Cominiere.
AVZ has challenged the decision, arguing that the license cancellation was unlawful and pursuing arbitration proceedings.
Congolese authorities maintain that the revocation complied with national regulations.
Zijin controls a 61% stake in the venture, with the remaining equity held by Cominiere and the Congolese state.
Under the joint venture structure, all initial lithium output including Cominiere’s share — will be marketed and sold by Zijin. While Cominiere did not contribute to the approximately $1 billion in project financing, it is expected to receive revenue proportional to its ownership stake.
The project comes online at a turbulent moment for global lithium markets. Prices have dropped roughly 86% from their peak in late 2022, weighed down by increased Chinese stockpiling, expanding production capacity, and moderating growth in electric vehicle demand.
Even amid weaker prices, China continues to reinforce its dominance in Africa’s mining landscape, particularly in the DRC, which is rich in lithium and copper resources.
Manono also reflects growing geopolitical rivalry over Africa’s battery minerals.
The United States has been working to channel Congolese mineral exports toward Western markets through short-term supply agreements, aiming to counter China’s entrenched presence in African mining.
Meanwhile, U.S.-supported KoBold Metals, which holds exploration rights on another section of the Manono deposit, has announced plans to delay construction until ownership disputes surrounding the site are resolved.
As production nears, the Manono project underscores not only Congo’s rising significance in the global energy transition but also the intensifying strategic competition shaping Africa’s mineral future.
