China’s Zijin Mining Group is set to begin lithium production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by early next year, marking a major step for the company and the country. The lithium will come from the Manono project, one of the world’s largest untapped lithium deposits. This move signals the DRC’s growing potential to become a key player in the global lithium market, in addition to its dominant position as the world’s largest producer of cobalt and second-largest producer of copper.
The Manono project, located in the southeastern part of the DRC, is currently at the heart of a legal battle between Zijin and the Australian company AVZ Minerals. AVZ has filed arbitration cases against both the DRC government and Zijin, claiming that it was wrongfully stripped of its exploration license. Despite the ongoing dispute, Zijin is moving forward with plans to start production by the first quarter of 2026, which would make it the first operating lithium mine in the country.
Zijin’s investment in the DRC’s lithium resources is part of a broader trend where Chinese companies are focusing heavily on Africa’s mineral wealth. From Mali to Zimbabwe, Chinese firms are securing valuable lithium resources, positioning themselves to meet the growing global demand for battery materials, driven by the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. Despite a sharp decline in lithium prices since 2022, Zijin is optimistic about the long-term potential of the market, projecting steady demand growth in the years ahead.
The Manono project is being developed through a joint venture between Zijin and the Congolese government. The deposit, with an average grade of 1.51% lithium oxide, is considered one of the most valuable lithium resources in Africa. Initially, Zijin will focus on producing and exporting lithium concentrate and sulfate, with plans to expand into local refining once a stable power supply is available. To support the project’s energy needs, Zijin has already rehabilitated a nearby hydroelectric plant.
However, AVZ Minerals, which previously held exploration rights to the Manono site, claims that the DRC government unlawfully revoked its license and awarded part of it to Zijin in 2023. AVZ is seeking to regain control of the permit through arbitration, accusing the DRC government of ignoring court orders to halt development in the contested area. The Australian company is also under investigation for alleged bribery related to the project, although it denies any wrongdoing.
Should it move forward as planned, the Manono mine could become one of the largest lithium operations in the world, alongside major projects in Australia and Mali. Experts believe that the size and quality of the deposit make it profitable even in the current market conditions.
Beyond lithium, Zijin has significant stakes in the DRC’s copper sector, including in the Kamoa-Kakula mine, one of the largest copper projects globally. The company’s diversified portfolio also includes gold and zinc operations across five continents.
As the DRC continues to harness its mineral wealth, the outcome of the ongoing legal disputes will play a crucial role in determining the future of the Manono lithium project and the DRC’s standing in the global energy transition.