Democratic Republic of Congo lithium power storage

Is there a lithium-tin project in the DRC?

The Manono lithium-tin project in the DRC. (Image courtesy of AVZ Minerals.) China’s Zijin Mining Group Co. aims to start producing lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo early next year from one of the world’s largest deposits of the battery metal.

Will Zijin start producing lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

(Image courtesy of AVZ Minerals.) China’s Zijin Mining Group Co. aims to start producing lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo early next year from one of the world’s largest deposits of the battery metal. Zijin is accelerating activity at a site in southeast Congo that’s still claimed by AVZ Minerals Ltd.

Is Zijin preparing for a long-term lithium recovery?

Zijin targets long-term demand growth for lithium, betting on a recovery despite recent global price declines of up to 90%. Zijin Mining Group, a Chinese multinational, is set to begin lithium production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by early 2026, as it seeks to tap into one of the world’s largest lithium deposits.

Why are Chinese companies investing in Africa's lithium resources?

Chinese companies including Zijin are investing heavily in Africa’s lithium resources from Mali to Zimbabwe, even after prices slumped almost 90% from a peak in 2022. They are seeking to lock down feedstock for refineries at home in anticipation of soaring future consumption of the metal.