The Democratic Republic of Congo shipped its first-ever lithium exports from the Manono project in Tanganyika province to China in June 2026, sources confirmed. The shipments, operated by China’s Zijin Mining Group, mark Congo’s entry into the global lithium market following the commissioning of a processing plant in May 2026.
The initial shipments from the Manono lithium project consist primarily of spodumene concentrate and crude lithium sulfate, with all exported volumes bound for China, sources confirmed. Industry reports, including Reuters and Skillings Mining Review, indicate these shipments began in June 2026, shortly after the commissioning of the Manono processing plant in May 2026, which came online about one month ahead of schedule. A source with first-hand knowledge told Reuters, “exports began in June, as planned,” and added, “They are shipping all of their products to China.”
The Manono project, located in Tanganyika province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits.
Traders cited in Reuters-based reports estimate the initial export volumes at just a few thousand tonnes of concentrate, characterizing them as limited trial or ramp-up shipments. However, production at Manono has already reached tens of thousands of tonnes of concentrate, with much of that material still in transit and expected to arrive at Chinese refineries around October 2026, according to multiple sources including Business Insider Africa.
Skillings Mining Review reports the project has an ore processing capacity of five million tonnes per year and targets around 30,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent output in 2026. Concentrate is trucked from the remote Manono site to the inland port of Kalemie, then transported across Lake Tanganyika and through Tanzania to international shipping routes bound for China, according to Skillings and Business Insider Africa.
All initial exports are destined for China, giving Chinese refineries first access to Congo’s lithium output, multiple sources confirmed. Model Diplomat described the shipments as securing a first-mover advantage for Beijing over the United States in Congolese lithium supply. Discovery Alert noted that the shipments benefit from a new duty-free export arrangement with China, which reduces trade costs and reflects strong Chinese demand.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s entry into the lithium market adds to its established role as a major global supplier of cobalt and copper, both critical for battery production and electrification. Industry commentary suggests that the next phase, targeted for December 2026, will focus on downstream refining within the DRC. This step could determine whether the country increases its share of value in the battery supply chain, which is currently dominated by Chinese refining capacity.
The launch of Congo’s lithium exports occurs amid ongoing debates about African resource policy. Some countries, such as Zimbabwe, have banned raw lithium exports to encourage local processing. Business Insider Africa reported that while the DRC is exploring ways to promote local beneficiation, Manono’s current exports remain in concentrate form. The project has also faced ownership and legal disputes in the broader Manono area, including delays to nearby projects backed by U.S.-linked KoBold Metals, due to unresolved legal issues. Despite these challenges, Zijin Mining Group has advanced the Manono operation to commercial production and export, demonstrating China’s ability to move projects forward in complex environments.
Industry sources, including those cited by African Economy Inc., describe the first exports as trial shipments following commissioning delays, with production expected to ramp up significantly in the coming months. Traders expect a lag between production and arrival in China due to the complex overland and water transport routes. Observers note that how the DRC manages downstream refining, contract terms, and environmental and social standards will influence the development of a durable, higher-value lithium industry.
The Manono project’s development represents a significant shift in the global battery metals supply chain, reinforcing the Democratic Republic of Congo’s position as a multi-mineral powerhouse for the global energy transition.
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