Manono Lithium Project Set to Transform the DRC’s Role in the Global Battery Supply Chain
DRC’s Manono Lithium Mine Could Supply 5% of Global Demand by 2028 as Zijin Advances $1.4 Billion Project
A massive lithium development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is poised to redefine Africa’s position in the global battery materials market.
Zijin Mining Group is preparing to launch one of the world’s largest lithium operations in the mineral-rich region of Manono, marking a significant milestone for the country’s mining sector.
The project has been progressing steadily since 2023, when Zijin secured rights to develop the deposit.
Once fully operational, the mine is expected to substantially increase global lithium supply at a time when demand for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and battery technologies continues to accelerate.
Production Capacity and Strategic Importance
At peak capacity, the Manono operation is projected to produce approximately 130,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually, positioning it among the largest lithium projects worldwide.
Industry forecasts suggest the site could account for nearly 5% of global mined lithium output by 2028, underscoring its strategic relevance in the evolving energy transition.
The project represents an investment of approximately $1.4 billion and is expected to generate between 850,000 and 875,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate per year.
Beyond extraction, the development includes a downstream processing facility currently under construction.
This plant is designed to convert roughly 500,000 tonnes of concentrate annually into lithium sulphate, a critical intermediate chemical used in battery manufacturing.
This integrated approach reflects a broader trend across African mining jurisdictions moving beyond raw mineral exports toward value-added processing and industrial development.
Ownership and National Participation
The ownership structure of the project illustrates a collaborative model increasingly common in large-scale resource developments across Africa.
Zijin holds a controlling stake of just under 55%, while the Congolese government maintains a significant interest in the operation.
This arrangement supports national participation in the mining value chain and aligns with policy objectives aimed at maximizing local economic benefits.
Legal and Competitive Landscape
Despite its strong commercial prospects, the Manono project remains subject to legal and competitive dynamics.
Proceedings have been initiated against the state by AVZ Minerals, which previously held exploration rights in the area. The company’s license was revoked several years before the northern section of the deposit was awarded to Zijin. Pl
In parallel, KoBold Metals backed by prominent investors including Bill Gates and Marc Andreessen has formally expressed interest in developing the southern portion of the territory.
This signals growing global competition for high-quality lithium assets in the region.
If delivered on schedule, the Manono lithium project could become a cornerstone of the global battery supply chain and a flagship example of large-scale mineral development in Central Africa.
Its success would not only strengthen the DRC’s position as a critical supplier of energy transition minerals but also reinforce the continent’s expanding role in the future of clean energy and electrification.
