China’s Zijin is set to commence Congo’s inaugural lithium production in June from the contentious Manono deposit
China’s Zijin Mining will commence Congo’s first lithium output in June from the contested Manono deposit and will promptly begin exports, according to the company and state miner Cominiere. This development represents a significant advancement in Beijing’s efforts to secure additional critical minerals in Africa.
Zijin had previously indicated a start in the first quarter of 2026 but informed Reuters on Tuesday that June now represents updated planning.
The Manono resource, recognized as one of the largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium deposits globally, is currently the focus of arbitration following the cancellation of Australian miner AVZ’s permit by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Part of the site was reassigned to Manono Lithium, a joint venture between Zijin and Cominiere. Zijin possesses a 61% stake, while Cominiere and the Congolese state hold the remaining shares.
“Manono Lithium is set to produce its first tons in June, with exports commencing right after,” stated Cominiere Managing Director Alpha Monga Mwidia during the Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town.
AVZ chose not to provide a comment. A source familiar with the company indicated that blasting occurred at the site this week, close to an area where AVZ continues to employ staff, describing it as a concern regarding safety and procedures.
Zijin chose not to reveal production volumes or export targets for the first year. Mwidia stated that the figures were not immediately accessible.
The launch occurs amid ongoing pressure on lithium prices, which have experienced an 86% decline from their peaks in late 2022, influenced by China’s stockpiling and increasing domestic production.
The United States has been aiming to shift Congolese supply towards Western markets via short-term contracts, posing a challenge to Beijing’s long-established influence in Africa.
Under the joint venture, Zijin will sell all first-phase output, which includes Cominiere’s share.
“Everything will be marketed or sold by Zijin on our behalf,” Mwidia stated, noting that Cominiere did not contribute to the approximately $1 billion project financing but will receive revenue based on its stake.
Mwidia and Zijin stated that AVZ’s arbitration does not impact schedules, and operations continue to adhere to existing law.
In contrast, KoBold Metals, supported by the U.S. and holding rights on the opposite side of the deposit, informed Reuters that it will refrain from starting construction until ownership matters are settled.
“The Western system differs from the Eastern one,” Mwidia remarked. “The Chinese tend to be more practical.”
Cominiere is providing 44 megawatts of power to the project via its unit Katamba Mining and intends to increase capacity to 120 MW for the mining sector and surrounding communities.
