Congo Initiates First Lithium Exports to China, Tapping Major Reserves
The Democratic Republic of Congo has commenced its first-ever lithium exports to China from the Manono project, marking a significant milestone in the country's mining sector. The project, a joint venture with Chinese company Zijin, began shipments in June 2026, with the material expected to reach Chinese refineries by October 2026. This development follows the revocation of Australian miner AVZ Minerals' license, highlighting the competitive nature of the lithium market. The project is one of the largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium resources globally, reinforcing China's mining presence in the region. 
