DRC lithium exports begin as Zijin's Manono mine ramps up
The Democratic Republic of Congo has exported its first lithium concentrate, marking the start of production at one of the world's largest deposits and deepening China's dominance over critical battery minerals.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has dispatched its first lithium concentrate exports, with Chinese miner Zijin Mining shipping initial consignments from the massive Manono project. The June shipments represent the first time the country has exported the battery metal.
Industry sources described the early movements as trial volumes, estimating that only a few thousand metric tonnes have left the country so far, while tens of thousands of tonnes have been produced. The concentrate is trucked to the lakeside city of Kalemie before crossing through Tanzania, with the material expected to reach China by October.
Zijin brought the Manono processing plant into production in May, one month ahead of schedule. The company plans to bring a smelter and other downstream facilities online before the end of the year. Once fully operational, the mine is slated to process five million tonnes of ore annually and yield roughly one million tonnes of spodumene concentrate.
The miner has set a 2026 production target of 30,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent. Manono ranks among the world’s largest undeveloped hard rock lithium deposits, positioning it as a cornerstone supply source for the electric vehicle sector.
Chinese interests control the venture, with Zijin holding a 54.9 percent stake, Congolese state miner Cominiere owning 35.1 percent, and the government retaining 10 percent. The start of exports solidifies China's commanding position in Congolese mining, where its firms already dominate copper and cobalt production.
The launch highlights a shifting landscape for rival miners. Australian company AVZ Minerals lost its licence for the concession in a prolonged legal dispute, with control transferred to Manono Lithium. US-backed KoBold Metals, which holds a neighbouring licence, has halted its development plans until the surrounding legal issues are resolved.
For global markets, the DRC's entry into lithium exports broadens a critical minerals supply chain that has become heavily concentrated in Chinese hands. As demand for EV batteries accelerates, the country's transition from the world's leading cobalt producer to a dual-threat lithium supplier will likely reinforce Beijing's leverage over clean energy supply chains.
