China’s Zijin Mining will begin producing lithium from the disputed Manono deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo this June.
The launch marks a strategic advance in Beijing’s push to secure critical minerals across Africa, reinforcing China’s global supply influence.
Zijin initially targeted a first-quarter 2026 start, but updated planning now sets production commencement firmly for June, company officials said.
Manono, among the world’s largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium deposits, is embroiled in arbitration after Congo revoked Australian miner AVZ’s permit.
Part of the site was reassigned to Manono Lithium, a joint venture with Cominiere, where Zijin holds a 61% controlling stake.
Cominiere Managing Director Alpha Monga Mwidia confirmed production will begin in June, with exports scheduled to start immediately after first tons.
AVZ declined comment, while sources flagged recent blasting near areas still staffed by AVZ, citing safety and procedural concerns.
Zijin and Cominiere did not disclose first-year output or export targets, saying production figures were not yet readily available.
The project launches amid depressed lithium prices, which have fallen 86% from late‑2022 peaks due to China’s domestic stockpiling and output surge.
The U.S. has sought to divert Congolese supply toward Western markets, challenging China’s longstanding dominance over Africa’s critical mineral sector.
All first-phase production will be marketed by Zijin, including Cominiere’s share, while the state miner receives revenue proportional to its stake.
AVZ arbitration does not affect operations, while U.S.-backed KoBold Metals on the deposit’s opposite side delays construction until ownership issues resolve.
Cominiere is providing 44 megawatts of power through Katamba Mining and aims to expand capacity to 120 MW for mining and local communities.