China’s Zijin Mining begins lithium exports from DRC

China’s Zijin Mining has started exporting lithium concentrate from DRC’s Manono project, the country’s first-ever lithium exports.

China’s Zijin Mining has begun exporting lithium concentrate from its Manono project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The shipments, which started in June, are being sent to China. The Manono project is one of the world’s largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium deposits. It is jointly owned by Zijin, state miner Cominiere and the Congolese government. Initial exports are believed to be trial shipments following delays in commissioning the processing plant.

Production began in May, a month ahead of schedule. Trucks are transporting lithium concentrate from Manono to Kalemie before onward shipment through Tanzania to China. Zijin aims to produce 30,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent this year. At full capacity, the project is expected to process five million tons of ore annually. The development further strengthens Beijing’s dominance in Congo’s critical minerals sector.

From a Nigerian vantage point, the DRC’s lithium exports are a reminder of what could have been. Nigeria has significant lithium deposits in the north-west and elsewhere. But the country has struggled to attract investment and develop its mining sector. The DRC’s success is a model of what is possible. Nigeria’s failure is a cautionary tale of what happens when policy inconsistency and insecurity deter investment. The global demand for lithium is soaring. Nigeria is watching from the sidelines.

Winners: China (which gains access to lithium), Zijin Mining, the DRC government.

Losers: Nigeria (which misses out on the lithium boom), other countries that could have developed lithium resources.

Bottom Line: The DRC’s lithium exports are a reminder that Africa’s mineral wealth is being extracted by foreign powers — and Nigeria is being left behind.