Manono Lithium, a subsidiary of leading global metals miner Zijin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has completed an integrated river channel, bridge, and embankment project, ending decades of flooding menace along a key national highway. The project now provides reliable flood control, safe transport, and irrigation for local communities in Manono, Tanganyika Province.
“This is the first time in my life that I’ve walked on a bridge this sturdy and a road this smooth,” said Ilunga Mwanga, a villager in his sixties, beaming with joy on the “Friendship Bridge” built by Manono Lithium on Lake Lukushi.
Following the successful acceptance of the bridge by the Office des Routes (Roads Office), the integrated infrastructure project was officially completed and put into operation. This milestone marks the elimination of the flooding threat along a national highway that has plagued the local communities for decades.
In April 2024, extreme torrential rains struck Manono, causing water levels in Lake Lukushi to surge. An aging embankment built in the colonial era suffered a breach, leaving the roadbed of National Highway 33 eroded. This artery, which connects the provincial capitals of Lubumbashi and Kalemie, serves as the lifeline of the Manono region; the disaster brought the life and work of community members to a standstill.
In response to the crisis, Manono Lithium immediately mobilized equipment and personnel to reinforce the highway. On-site surveys revealed that the old embankment was beyond repair. Moreover, the existing river channel cut through future mining zones, which would have hindered mining operations. The company therefore decided to fund the construction of a new channel and embankment system, creating an integrated project for flood control, transportation, and irrigation.
Construction began in August 2024 and was completed in 18 months. From planning to execution, the project was conducted in full transparency. Through multiple community consultation meetings, Manono Lithium regularly shared project blueprints and progress updates with the public, securing community understanding and support, and ultimately obtaining formal approval from the Office des Routes.
About Zijin Mining
Zijin Mining is a leading global metals and mining company and one of the world’s largest producers of gold, copper, and zinc. The company has more than 30 large-scale mining operations and projects across 19 countries on 5 continents. Leveraging strong in-house research, engineering, and development capabilities, Zijin maintains high operational efficiency and low costs in both acquisitions and operations. This enables the company to be an industry leader in value creation, underpinned by its philosophy of pursuing development for all and sustained by superior environmental, social, and governance performance. Zijin’s shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 2899) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 601899).