Chinese mining group Zijin Mining Group Co. is preparing to start producing lithium in the first quarter of 2026 in the Manono region in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The site is one of the world's largest lithium deposits, a key resource for batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage.
The Manono project marks a major step forward for the DRC, the world's leading supplier of cobalt and second-largest producer of copper, which is now positioning itself as a major player in the lithium industry. With an average lithium oxide content of 1.51%, the deposit is described by Zijin as a "considerable asset".
The Chinese group, which operates as part of a joint venture with the Congolese government, plans to start production gradually. The plant will begin by exporting lithium concentrate and sulphate, with ambitions to integrate refining operations once the energy infrastructure has been strengthened. A nearby hydroelectric facility has already been rehabilitated to meet these needs.
However, the project is at the centre of a legal dispute with Australian company AVZ Minerals Ltd, which claims ownership of the exploration licence for part of the site. AVZ accuses the Congolese government of illegally awarding the northern zone of the licence to Zijin in 2023, in breach of several international arbitration injunctions.
According to AVZ, Manono is the world's largest hard rock lithium deposit. The Australian company was also recently investigated by the Federal Police for allegations of corruption, which it firmly denies.
Zijin, for its part, claims to be in "full compliance" with local regulations and is concentrating on developing the project. The company has refused to disclose its precise production targets, but previous estimates suggest it has the potential to compete with Australian giants such as Greenbushes and Goulamina, recently inaugurated in Mali.
The Manono project is part of a wider strategy by Chinese companies, which are investing massively in African lithium resources, despite a fall in prices of almost 90% since 2022. The aim of these investments is to guarantee a stable supply to meet the growing demand for batteries, particularly in China.
"Although current supply appears to be oversupplied in the short term, global demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions offers long-term opportunities," said Zijin in a recent press release.
With the start of production at Manono, the DRC could become a key player in the lithium market, alongside Australia, the world's leading producer. However, the impact of legal tensions and uncertainties relating to local governance remain to be seen.
The Congolese Ministry of Mines has not commented on these developments. Meanwhile, the race for lithium in Africa continues to reshape the global dynamics of strategic metals supply.
This project, which combines economic opportunities with geopolitical challenges, could strengthen the position of the DRC and China in the global battery supply chain. It remains to be seen whether the ongoing disputes can be resolved without disrupting the development schedule.