Zijin Mining Group Projects Lithium Production Launch in DRC by 2026

Zijin Mining Group aims to begin production at its lithium project in the DRC by Q1 2026. The project is a result of a joint venture with Cominiere launched in 2022, encompassing two greenfield exploration sites near the Manono lithium mine.

Zijin Mining Group, a prominent Chinese mining entity, anticipates that its initial lithium exploration venture in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will commence production in the first quarter of 2026. This project, initiated through a collaboration with the state-owned Congolese company Cominiere in 2022, includes the Katamba Mining joint venture, which holds rights to two significant greenfield exploration and mining sites located near the Manono lithium mine in the DRC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has emerged as a key player in the global lithium market due to its abundant mineral resources. Lithium, a crucial component for batteries, significantly contributes to the demand for renewable energy solutions. Zijin Mining Group’s investment in this region highlights the strategic importance of lithium as the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions. The development of the Katamba Mining venture marks an important step in DRC’s mining sector and its integration into the global supply chain for lithium.

Zijin Mining Group’s planned production start of its lithium project in the DRC by early 2026 underscores the growing significance of lithium resources in the context of renewable energy. The collaboration with Cominiere and the ownership of exploration rights near the Manono lithium mine further positions this venture as a vital contributor to the global lithium supply, reflecting the increasing investment interest in the region’s mineral wealth.

Original Source: www.mining.com