Zijin Mining to Launch Manono Lithium Project in DRC in 2026

Zijin Mining

Zijin Mining plans to commence production at its Manono lithium project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the first quarter of 2026. The project, located in the northeastern portion of the Manono mine, aims to produce 100,000 tonnes per year of spodumene concentrate (SC), equivalent to lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).  Zijin is also constructing a facility at the site to process some of the spodumene into lithium sulphate, with production also slated to begin in 2026.

Joint Venture and Project Significance

Zijin describes the Manono mine as one of the world's largest open-pit exploitable lithium-rich lithium, cesium, tantalum pegmatite deposits.  The DRC government granted Zijin exploration rights for the northeastern section of the mine on October 23, 2023. DRC's state-owned mining firm, Cominiere, which registered the exploration rights for Manono in 2023, partnered with Zijin to develop this section.  The two companies formed a joint venture, Manono Lithium, with Zijin's subsidiary, Jinxiang Lithium, holding a 61% stake and Cominiere owning the remaining 39%.

Zijin's Lithium Expansion Strategy

Zijin Mining has been actively expanding its lithium business. The company aims to increase its total lithium production dramatically, from 2023 levels to between 250,000 and 300,000 tonnes of LCE by 2028.  In addition to the Manono project, Zijin plans to start production at several other lithium projects. These include the Tres Quebradas (3Q) lithium brine project in Argentina (20,000 t/yr lithium carbonate, 2025), the Lakkor Tso Lithium project in Tibet (20,000 t/yr lithium hydroxide, 2025), and the second phase of the Xiangyuan mine in central China (capacity increase from 3,000 to 30,000 t/yr LCE, Q2 2025).