Country
DR Congo
Sector
Mining & Minerals
Intelligence Type
Project
Status / Stage
Under Construction
Confidence
Reported
Latest Development
One of the world’s largest lithium deposits (400+ million tonne resource) in DRC’s Tanganyika Province. Zijin Mining is developing — mining and processing lithium oxide expected from early 2026. AVZ Minerals (Australia) has a longstanding disputed stake.
Project Details
Project TypeOpen-pit lithium mine + spodumene processing
Project OwnerZijin Mining (controlling); DRC government
Project DeveloperZijin Mining (China)
Current PhaseConstruction
Funding StatusPartial
Key Issues / Risks
AVZ Minerals ownership dispute ongoing. DRC mining code increasing royalties and beneficiation requirements.
Latest Development (Detail)
Mining and processing of lithium oxide expected from early 2026 per Mining Indaba.
What Happens Next
First lithium oxide production and export.
Commercial Opportunity
400m+ tonne resource — one of most strategically significant lithium projects globally for EV battery supply chains.
Commercial Opportunity Intelligence
Commercial ReadinessCommercially Active
Analyst Notes
Link to Policy record: DRC Mining Code.
Source & Verification Trail
Last VerifiedAugust 2026
Source(s)Mining Indaba 2026; The Assay January 2026; Mining Review March 2026
Source DateJanuary–March 2026