By Charles Pitts
As the global race for battery metals enters a critical mid-decade stretch, all eyes are on the Tanganyika Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here, Chinese mining heavyweight Zijin Mining is racing against a June 30, 2026, commissioning deadline for what is poised to become one of the most significant lithium operations on the planet. The Manono-Kitotolo deposit, specifically the northeastern section under Zijin’s control, is targeting an annual production capacity of 130,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
This volume represents approximately 5% of projected global lithium output by 2028. For Zijin, it is a cornerstone of a rapid-expansion strategy into critical minerals. For the DRC, it is a move to diversify its mineral wealth beyond its traditional dominance in cobalt and copper. However, the path to first production remains shadowed by one of the most complex legal disputes in recent mining history.
The Scale of the Manono-Kitotolo Operation
Zijin’s entry into the Manono region in late 2023 marked a shift in the project’s momentum. Through its joint venture, Manono Lithium SAS: in which Zijin holds a 54.9% stake alongside the state-owned COMINIERE: the company has committed an investment ranging between $1 billion and $1.4 billion.
The operational design is focused on a high-throughput model. The facility is engineered to process 5 million tonnes of ore per annum. While the primary output will be roughly 850,000 to 875,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate, the strategic value lies in the onsite conversion. A dedicated processing facility is designed to transform 500,000 tonnes of that concentrate into 95,170 tonnes of crude lithium sulfate annually.
This intermediate chemical production is a vital step in the global battery revolution. By producing lithium sulfate on-site, Zijin reduces the logistical burden of transporting bulk concentrate across the continent, instead shipping a higher-value, lower-volume product ready for final refining into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate.
Infrastructure: Solving the Logistics Puzzle
Mining in the DRC is notoriously difficult due to infrastructure deficits. To meet the 2026 commissioning target, Zijin has undertaken a massive regional overhaul. The project relies on the rehabilitation of the Mpiana-Mwanga hydroelectric plant. In 2024, the plant’s capacity was restored to 40 MW, and expansion plans are currently underway to bring that to 108 MW to support the full scale of mining and chemical processing.
Logistically, the “Manono-Kalemie” corridor is the project’s lifeline. A 440-kilometer road connecting the mine to the industrial port of Kalemie on Lake Tanganyika is currently under construction. This road is essential for moving heavy machinery in and lithium products out. While the road is scheduled for full completion over a five-year horizon, the initial stretches are being prioritized to support the June 2026 launch.
The integration of renewable hydro-power is not just a logistical necessity but a strategic alignment with evolving ESG standards. As highlighted in ESG and the Deep Mine: Navigating the Social License in 2026, the “green” credentials of lithium projects are increasingly scrutinized by Western carmakers and investors. Zijin’s reliance on hydro-power could give its Congo output a lower carbon footprint than many Australian or South American hard-rock operations.
The Legal Cloud: AVZ Minerals and Arbitration Risks
Despite the physical progress on the ground, the “Key Risk” for the Manono project remains the ongoing legal battle with Australian junior miner AVZ Minerals. AVZ previously held the rights to the project and continues to challenge the revocation of its mining license by the DRC government.
The dispute is currently being heard in international arbitration courts, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). AVZ contends that its rights were illegally stripped and transferred to COMINIERE and subsequently Zijin. For investors and market analysts, this creates a layer of “sovereign risk” that is common in the DRC but particularly acute here given the scale of the resource.
While Zijin has moved forward with construction: a “facts on the ground” strategy: the outcome of these legal proceedings could still impact the project’s long-term financing or result in substantial compensation requirements. Analysts at Skillings note that such disputes often lead to delays or settlements that can alter the economic profile of a project late in the game.
DRC’s Role in the Global Supply Chain
The development of Manono is a geopolitical statement. It reinforces China’s grip on the critical mineral supply chain at a time when the U.S. and EU are attempting to “de-risk” their own dependencies. For the DRC, it is an opportunity to prove it can support large-scale industrial lithium production.
The country already produces nearly 70% of the world’s cobalt, but much of that is as a byproduct of copper. Manono is a primary lithium project, and its success would position the DRC as a dual-threat in the battery metals space. This shift is mirrored by other major moves in the sector, such as the Rio Tinto acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, which underscores the urgency major miners feel in securing high-grade lithium assets.
2026 Outlook: Timeline and Commissioning
As of March 2026, the accommodation camps and Phase I solar farm at Manono are operational. The focus for the next 90 days is the final installation of the processing circuits.
| Key Milestone | Status / Target Date |
|---|---|
| Hydro-power Phase I (40MW) | Completed (2024) |
| Road Corridor Start | Completed (Oct 2024) |
| Processing Plant Commissioning | June 30, 2026 |
| Ramp-up to Full Capacity | 2027-2028 |
| Target Annual LCE Output | 130,000 Tonnes |
The primary risk to this timeline is not technical, but rather logistical bottlenecks along the transport routes to the coast. If Zijin can successfully navigate the final construction phase and the legal headwinds, Manono will likely set the price floor for lithium spodumene and sulfate in the late 2020s.
Strategic Summary for Investors
The Manono project represents a high-reward, high-risk play. The sheer volume of 130,000 tons LCE would make it a global tier-one asset. For decision-makers, the project serves as a barometer for Chinese operational efficiency in Africa versus Western-led legal and ESG frameworks.
While the market is currently watching Lundin Mining in the Vicuña District and gold targets for 2026, the lithium sector’s long-term health depends on “gigascale” projects like Manono.
As June 30 approaches, the industry will see if Zijin’s “speed-to-market” strategy can overcome the friction of Congolese politics and international law. If it succeeds, the lithium map of the world will be permanently redrawn with Manono at its center.
