The Manono Lithium Mine is one of the world’s largest undeveloped, lithium-rich LCT pegmatite deposits with high-grade ores. It is suitable for large-scale, open-pit mining, with excellent development prospects. In October 2023, Zijin Mining was invited to partner with COMINIERE, a DRC state-owned enterprise, to explore and develop the northeastern greenfield section of the Manono Lithium Mine. The project’s mining license was secured in September 2024 and is now in the construction phase.
The Manono lithium project is designed with a total mining and processing capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum, producing approximately 1 million tonnes of spodumene concentrate per year. The concentrate will then be processed into 100,800 tonnes of crude lithium sulfate. Mine construction is currently underway, with the accommodation camp and Phase I solar farm already commissioned. The mining, processing, and smelter projects, logistics facilities, and river diversion works are progressing as scheduled. For the 5 Mtpa Phase 1 project, the dense media separation system is scheduled to be commissioned in stages from March to June 2026, the grinding and flotation system by the end of September 2026, and the smelter in stages from September to the end of December 2026.
On October 23, 2023, Manono Lithium SAS, a joint venture established between Zijin Mining’s overseas subsidiary Jinxiang Lithium Limited and COMINIERE, secured the exploration license for the Manono Lithium Project. Jinxiang Lithium owns a 54.9% interest in the company, COMINIERE holds 35.1%, and the DRC state holds 10%.
The mine actively fulfills its social responsibilities and has integrated ESG principles into the project’s feasibility study, design and construction from the outset, while establishing an ESG management system to high standards. Following receipt of the mining permit in September 2024, the mine immediately launched negotiations on and preparation of the Cahier de Charge (Social Term Sheet), which was formally signed in June 2025 for a five-year term, with commitments to prioritize projects in key areas such as road infrastructure and education.
By the end of 2025, it had carried out 44 community donation and support projects, with a cumulative spending of approximately US$6.5 million. It also regularly organized activities such as community work progress briefings and public information sessions, earning broad recognition and support from local communities. The mine launched a pilot agricultural cooperation program for maize cultivation and, in partnership with the University of Manono, provided vocational training for 227 local young people.
Thanks to its strong community engagement, the mine received the “Tanganyika” award in both 2024 and 2025, while two employees were granted the honorary title of “Land Chief” by the local paramount chief. Once built and commissioned, the project is expected to create 1,500 direct jobs and more than 8,000 indirect employment opportunities.