Congo's First Lithium Export to China Strengthens Beijing's Hold on African Minerals
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has exported lithium for the first time, with shipments from the Manono project, operated by Chinese mining giant Zijin Mining, beginning in June. This development further solidifies China's dominant position in the DRC's critical minerals sector, where it already controls the majority of cobalt and copper production. The Manono project, one of the world's largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium deposits, has been fast-tracked, with production starting ahead of schedule. The project has been embroiled in ownership disputes, with the DRC government revoking a permit from Australian miner AVZ Minerals and reassigning it to a new entity, Manono Lithium, majority-owned by Zijin. The logistics of exporting lithium from the landlocked Manono involve a complex supply chain through Tanzania to reach Chinese refineries. 
