China’s Zijin Plans Lithium Production in DR Congo From 2026
TLDR
- China’s Zijin Mining Group plans to begin lithium production in early 2026 at the Manono project
- This would mark Congo’s first lithium mine as demand for the battery material grows, despite a current supply glut
- Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the world’s largest deposits of the metal
China’s Zijin Mining Group plans to begin lithium production in early 2026 at the Manono project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the world’s largest deposits of the metal. This would mark Congo’s first lithium mine as demand for the battery material grows, despite a current supply glut.
The project faces legal challenges. Australian miner AVZ Minerals claims Congo illegally transferred its exploration license to Zijin’s joint venture. Arbitration proceedings are ongoing, with AVZ alleging Congo has ignored tribunal injunctions. Zijin, which holds a full mining license for the area, insists it complies with all regulations and aims to start production gradually, beginning with lithium concentrate and sulfate.
Congo, a major copper and cobalt producer, is attracting investment from Chinese firms like Zijin seeking lithium resources across Africa. While AVZ envisioned the site as one of the world’s largest hard rock lithium projects, Zijin is focusing on phased development tied to improving power infrastructure.
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Key Takeaways
Zijin’s move highlights the global push to secure lithium resources as the shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy accelerates. Despite an oversupplied market and falling lithium prices, Chinese firms are betting on long-term demand growth, particularly in the new energy and storage sectors. Congo, already a key supplier of cobalt, is emerging as a critical player in the lithium race. However, legal disputes over resource ownership, as seen in the Manono case, underline the complexities of operating in resource-rich but politically volatile regions. The resolution of this dispute and others like it will shape the landscape for future lithium investments, especially as global energy transitions drive competition for battery metals.
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