By Penny Langford
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially entered the global lithium export market in June 2026, marking a significant shift in the country's historical reliance on copper and cobalt. Zijin Mining, the lead operator of the Manono lithium project, confirmed that the first shipments of spodumene concentrate have departed the site and are currently in transit to China.
This milestone follows the successful commissioning of the Manono processing plant in May 2026, which began operations ahead of schedule. As the world’s largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium resource, Manono’s transition to active production is being closely monitored by global markets currently grappling with high inventory levels and a persistent price glut.
Operational Ramp-up and 2026 Targets
The Manono project, located in the Tanganyika province, is positioned to become a cornerstone of China’s critical minerals supply chain. For the 2026 calendar year, Zijin Mining has set an aggressive production target of 30,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE).
At full capacity, which the company anticipates reaching by late 2028, the facility is designed to process 5 million tonnes of ore annually, yielding approximately 1 million tonnes of spodumene concentrate. This would represent nearly 5% of the total global mined lithium supply.
The current export phase focuses on lithium concentrate and crude lithium sulfate. However, Zijin has indicated that higher-value refining facilities, including an on-site smelter, are slated for completion by December 2026. This move aligns with the DRC government's mandate to increase local value-addition and move beyond the export of raw ores.
Strategic Joint Venture Structure
The Manono project is governed by a joint venture agreement that reflects the DRC's increasing assertiveness in managing its natural resources. The ownership structure is as follows:
- Zijin Mining: 54.9% (Operator)
- Cominiere (State-owned Miner): 35.1%
- Congolese Government: 10.0%
This partnership underscores the strategic cooperation between Kinshasa and Beijing, specifically as Western firms face increasing competition to secure long-term offtake agreements for battery metals. While the United States and European Union have sought to diversify critical mineral sources, the Manono project’s current output is destined almost exclusively for Chinese refineries.
Multi-Modal Logistics: The Route to Dar es Salaam
Exporting high volumes of concentrate from a landlocked region like Manono presents significant logistical hurdles. The current transport route is a 1,500-kilometer multi-modal corridor that traverses three countries:
- Trucking (Manono to Kalemie): Spodumene concentrate is loaded into specialized containers and hauled 440 kilometers by road to the port city of Kalemie on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
- Lake Transit (Kalemie to Kigoma): Containers are transferred to barges and shipped across the lake to the port of Kigoma in Tanzania.
- Overland (Kigoma to Dar es Salaam): The final leg involves rail or truck transport across Tanzania to the Port of Dar es Salaam, where the material is loaded onto bulk carriers for the ocean voyage to China.
Despite the complexity, this route remains the most viable corridor until regional rail infrastructure, such as the Lobito Corridor, is further upgraded to handle heavy industrial mineral loads.
Market Context: Lithium Price Forecast 2026
The DRC's entry into the market comes during a period of sustained volatility. Lithium prices have retreated approximately 85–90% from the historic peaks seen in 2022, driven by a combination of high Chinese inventories and a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles in certain Western markets.
As noted in our recent analysis on the lithium market pivot and the 2026 recovery, the sector is currently defined by a "structural glut." However, low-cost producers like Zijin are leveraging the current downturn to consolidate market share, betting that long-term demand from the energy storage and EV sectors will eventually absorb the surplus.
2026 Lithium Market Snapshot (Estimated)
| Indicator | Value / Forecast (2026) | Trend vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Spodumene Concentrate (6% Li2O) | $950 – $1,100 per tonne | Stable/Low |
| Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate | $14,000 – $16,500 per tonne | Sideways |
| Global Supply Balance | ~120,000 tonnes LCE Surplus | Narrowing |
| Manono 2026 Contribution | 30,000 tonnes LCE | New Supply |
The oversupply is expected to persist through the remainder of the year, though industry analysts suggest that the floor for prices has likely been established. Manono’s ability to remain profitable at these levels is attributed to the high grade of the deposit and the implementation of mine electrification benefits which have significantly lowered operational expenditures.
Legal Disputes and Geopolitical Friction
While the export news is a victory for Zijin and the DRC, the Manono region remains the center of intense legal and geopolitical friction. Zijin's control over certain adjacent blocks is currently being contested by KoBold Metals, the Silicon Valley-based exploration firm backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.
KoBold has raised concerns regarding the transparency of the licensing process for blocks neighboring the primary Manono pit. This dispute highlights the broader "New Cold War" for critical minerals, where Western-backed technology firms are competing against state-supported Chinese giants for the same geological footprints.
Furthermore, the DRC's mining sector continues to face scrutiny over ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. Zijin has emphasized its commitment to local community development, yet international monitors remain focused on the transparency of the revenue sharing between Cominiere and the central government.
Strategic Outlook
The commencement of lithium exports from Manono marks the beginning of a new era for African mining. As other projects in the region, such as those in Mali and Zimbabwe, ramp up production, the "Lithium Belt" of Central and Southern Africa is emerging as a critical rival to the established "Lithium Triangle" in South America.
For investors and operators, the 2026 outlook for Manono is one of steady ramp-up amidst a challenging price environment. The project's success will ultimately be measured not just by the volume of concentrate shipped to China, but by the DRC's ability to successfully transition to downstream refining by year-end.
Social Media Snippet (LinkedIn/X):
The DRC has officially joined the lithium export club. Zijin Mining’s Manono project began shipping spodumene concentrate to China this June, targeting 30,000 tonnes LCE for 2026. Despite a global price glut, this move secures a vital feedstock link for the EV supply chain. Read our full analysis of the multi-modal logistics and 2026 price forecast. #MiningNews #Lithium #DRC #ZijinMining #EnergyTransition #SupplyChain
