Chinese mining company Zijin Mining is preparing to launch the first phase of production at the Manono lithium project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 30, bringing one of the world's largest hard-rock lithium deposits closer to commercial operation.
The project is being developed by Manono Lithium SAS, a joint venture in which Zijin Mining holds a 61% stake, while the remaining 39% belongs to state-owned mining company Cominière. Total investment is estimated at up to $1.4 billion. The project is currently in its final commissioning phase, with exports of lithium concentrate expected to begin shortly after commercial production starts. Located in Tanganyika Province, Manono is regarded as one of the world's largest spodumene lithium deposits and is expected to become an important source of raw materials for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage technologies. The project has been at the center of a long-running legal dispute. Australian company AVZ Minerals continues to challenge the Congolese government's decision to revoke its mining license, with arbitration proceedings still ongoing.
Despite lower global lithium prices compared with the 2022 peak, Manono remains one of Africa's most strategically important mining projects, reflecting continued global demand for critical minerals used in the energy transition.
