Lithium - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Prepares for First Lithium Production at Manono Deposit

March 8, 2026March 8, 2026 Constance

DRC Targets First Lithium Production from Manono Deposit as Global Battery Demand Surges The Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing to enter the global lithium market, with authorities indicating that the country’s first lithium production could begin in the near future. Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba told international investors that initial production from the Manono lithium project could start as early as the second quarter of 2026, positioning the country as a new supplier of one of the world’s most strategic minerals. Lithium is a key component in rechargeable… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Zimbabwe’s Lithium Export Ban Jolts China’s Battery Supply Chain

March 6, 2026March 6, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Exports, Disrupting China’s EV Battery Supply Chain and Driving Global Price Surge China’s battery manufacturers are feeling the impact of Zimbabwe’s sudden suspension of lithium concentrate exports, a move that has unsettled global commodity markets and raised fresh concerns across the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. On February 25, the Government of Zimbabwe announced an immediate halt to all lithium concentrate shipments, including cargo already in transit. The policy forms part of Harare’s broader strategy to expand domestic mineral processing and capture greater value from its large… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Gold Lithium

U.S. Push for DRC’s Strategic Minerals Faces Security and Investment Hurdles

March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 Constance

US Push for Congo’s Critical Minerals Faces Delays as Conflict and China’s Dominance Complicate Investment The United States has made gradual progress in its effort to reduce China’s dominance over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s strategic mineral sector. However, ongoing conflict, contested mining licenses, and strict compliance requirements continue to slow Washington’s advance into a region where Chinese companies remain deeply entrenched. The Democratic Republic of Congo holds some of the world’s most valuable mineral resources, including the largest global supply of cobalt as well as significant deposits of copper… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

DRC Advances Battery Minerals Strategy Through Partnership Talks with ITC

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Seeks ITC Support to Boost Battery Mineral Processing and Integrate into Global EV Supply Chain Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka convened a high-level working session with representatives of the Congolese Battery Council (CCB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to structure a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s capacity to process minerals used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The initiative signaled Kinshasa’s determination to accelerate industrialization and move up the global battery value chain. Technical Support to Target Global Markets Under the proposed… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Zimbabwe Advances Lithium Value Addition with Third Sulphate Plant Under Construction

February 27, 2026February 27, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe Begins Construction of Third Lithium Sulphate Plant as Export Ban Drives Global Price Surge Construction has begun on another lithium sulphate plant in Zimbabwe, as the country accelerates its push to move up the battery minerals value chain amid strong global demand. Chinese group Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Co. announced on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange platform that it has started building a lithium sulphate processing plant linked to its Kamativi lithium mine, which it operates through a joint venture with the Zimbabwean government. The project marks the third lithium… Read More Here

Battery Metals International Lithium News in Brief

China Lithium Prices Surge as Zimbabwe Suspends Raw Mineral Exports

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Exports, Driving China Lithium Carbonate Prices Higher Amid Energy Storage Demand China’s lithium prices jumped sharply on Thursday after Zimbabwe suspended exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions amid booming energy storage demand. The most actively traded lithium carbonate contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange surged 6.07% to 178,020 yuan ($26,043.45) per metric ton as of 03:30 GMT, after earlier spiking over 9% to 187,700 yuan. Zimbabwe, Africa’s largest lithium producer, exported 1.128 million tons of spodumene concentrate in 2025… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Corporate News Lithium

DRC, Belgium, and KoBold Metals in Dispute Over Colonial Mineral Archives

February 22, 2026February 22, 2026 Constance

Cobalt and Lithium Data Sparks Tension: DRC Seeks KoBold Metals Collaboration as Belgium Restricts Archive Access An economic and strategic dispute is unfolding between Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the American company KoBold Metals, centering on colonial geological archives housed at the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren. These archives contain detailed data on the DRC’s mineral resources, including cobalt, lithium, and copper now critical to global supply chains. For Kinshasa, these documents are not just historical records; they represent strategic informational capital essential for attracting investment and optimizing resource… Read More Here

Battery Metals Lithium Mining in DRC

Zijin to Launch DRC’s First Lithium Production at Manono in June

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Constance

China’s Zijin Mining to Begin Lithium Production at Congo’s Manono Deposit in June Zijin Mining will begin the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first lithium production in June at the disputed Manono deposit, with exports set to commence immediately thereafter, according to the company and state miner Cominiere. The development marks a significant step in China’s strategy to secure critical mineral supplies in Africa. Zijin had previously targeted first-quarter 2026 for initial output but confirmed that the timeline has been revised to June to reflect updated project planning. Disputed Asset The… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Zimbabwe to Launch Africa’s First Lithium Sulphate Plant at Bikita Mine

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe to Commission Africa’s First Lithium Sulphate Plant, Strengthening Its Role in the Global EV Battery Supply Chain Zimbabwe is preparing to inaugurate Africa’s first lithium sulphate processing plant, marking a significant milestone in the country’s mineral beneficiation strategy. The facility is being developed by Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ), the country’s largest lithium producer, with financial backing from Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. The plant, located at Huayou’s Bikita Mine in southeastern Zimbabwe, has attracted approximately US$500 million in investment and has now reached the equipment commissioning phase a key step… Read More Here

International Lithium New Mining Projects

Andrada Mining Confirms High Grade Lithium System at Lithium Ridge Project in Namibia

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 Constance

Andrada Mining Identifies Surface Lithium Grades Above 4% Li₂O at Lithium Ridge in Namibia Andrada Mining has identified multiple surface samples grading above 4% lithium oxide, with a peak value of 4.67% Li₂O, at its Lithium Ridge project in Namibia. The results confirm the presence of a high-grade lithium system as exploration drilling continues to advance. The AIM-listed tin producer said extensive geological mapping and grab sampling across the Lithium Ridge licence area, conducted in partnership with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile SA through its subsidiary SQM Australia, delivered… Read More Here