Zijin Mining Group plans to initiate lithium production in early 2026 at the Manono project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, facing legal challenges from AVZ Minerals. This project will be Congo’s first operational lithium mine and reflects Zijin’s broader strategy to secure vital lithium supplies amid fluctuating market prices and strategic interests in Africa’s mineral wealth.
Zijin Mining Group Co., headquartered in China, plans to commence lithium production in early 2026 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically from the Manono project, one of the largest lithium deposits globally. Despite ongoing legal disputes with AVZ Minerals Ltd., which claims rights to the area, Zijin is moving forward with its plans. The consortium formed by Zijin and the Congolese government was granted a mining license four months ago and aims to begin production within the first quarter of 2026.
The project is significant in that it will be the inaugural operational lithium mine in Congo, a country recognized for its rich mineral resources, including copper and cobalt. Chinese enterprises, such as Zijin, are heavily investing in lithium resources in Africa, despite a nearly 90% price decline from peaks in 2022. Zijin has indicated that while a supply surplus is expected in the short term, demand from the expanding global electric vehicle and energy storage sectors promises a promising long-term outlook. Consequently, Zijin aims to secure lithium feedstock to anticipate the increasing requirements of these industries.
In development, Zijin has expressed intent to gradually commission the processing facilities at Manono, with initial plans to produce and export lithium concentrate and lithium sulfate. Furthermore, Zijin is contemplating further refining operations contingent on a stable power supply. The company has previously rehabilitated a nearby hydroelectric power facility to support these operations. Additionally, Zijin holds substantial interests in copper mining in Congo and is developing key strategies to enhance its resource extraction capabilities while adhering to legal regulations as mandated by local authorities.
With the legal proceedings initiated by AVZ Minerals over the contested mining claims, continued scrutiny over compliance and allocation of resources in Congo remains essential. The unfolding scenario casts a spotlight on the intersection of resource development, investment dynamics, and regulatory adherence in a region predisposed to a complex landscape of legal and operational considerations.
The article highlights Zijin Mining’s strategic move to capitalize on the lithium market by exploiting the Manono lithium deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As global demand for lithium, crucial for battery production in electric vehicles, continues to rise, investments in regions with significant lithium reserves become increasingly attractive. Congo, being a major player in the mining industry, particularly for cobalt and copper, presents opportunities amidst challenges such as legal disputes over mining rights.
Zijin Mining’s initiative to begin lithium production in Congo by 2026 signifies a critical development in the global lithium supply chain, particularly given the anticipated growth in global electric vehicle markets. However, the ongoing legal battles with AVZ Minerals and regulatory compliance remain pivotal issues. As Zijin seeks to navigate these challenges while establishing itself in Congo, the outcome may significantly influence future investments in the region’s rich mineral resources.
Original Source: financialpost.com
