China’s Zijin to launch Congo’s first lithium output in June from disputed Manono deposit

Published: Feb 12, 2026 02:02

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China’s Zijin Mining plans to deliver the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s first lithium output from the Manono project in June this year, with exports set to begin immediately thereafter. The Manono project became the subject of arbitration after the Congolese government revoked the mining permit previously held by Australia’s AVZ Minerals, with the rights subsequently reassigned to Manono Lithium, a joint venture between Zijin and state-owned miner Cominiere. Zijin holds a controlling 61% stake in the venture. Under the JV arrangement, all initial production—including Cominiere’s share—will be marketed by Zijin. Although Cominiere did not contribute financially to the roughly $1 billion project cost, it will receive revenue in proportion to its equity stake.

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