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Manono

Manono is a lithium and tin mining project located in the Tanganyika province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The site hosts one of the world's largest hard-rock lithium deposits, with substantial reserves of spodumene ore that position it as a globally significant source of battery-grade lithium. The project sits within the historic Manono mining district, which was previously exploited for tin during the colonial era and into the late twentieth century. Ownership and development rights to Manono have been the subject of protracted legal and commercial disputes involving multiple parties, including Australian-listed AVZ Minerals and Congolese entity Dathcom Mining. The deposit's scale and grade have attracted considerable international interest as demand for lithium—a critical input for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems—has surged. Development of Manono has been delayed by regulatory challenges, ownership disputes and infrastructure constraints in the remote region. The project requires significant capital investment in processing facilities, power supply and transport links to bring the resource to market. If successfully developed, Manono is expected to become a major contributor to global lithium supply and a cornerstone of the Democratic Republic of Congo's ambitions to participate in the electric vehicle value chain.

Manono News


The Manono project area
Zijin starts Congo lithium exports to China, sources say
16th July 2026 By: Reuters

China's Zijin has started exporting lithium concentrate from its Manono project in Democratic Republic of Congo, five sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters. "Exports started in June as... 


Silhouette of an exploration drill rig
US-backed KoBold launches $50m lithium exploration drive in Congo
13th April 2026 By: Reuters

Mineral explorer KoBold Metals, backed by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has launched a lithium exploration campaign in Democratic Republic of Congo, committing more than $50-million by... 


Manono has a complicated history with Australia’s AVZ still claiming the rights to the area Zijin will soon start mining.
Zijin’s Congo lithium mine set to be among world’s biggest
25th March 2026 By: Bloomberg

The lithium mine Zijin Mining Group plans to open this year in the Democratic Republic of Congo is set to be one of the world’s biggest suppliers of the battery metal. The Chinese company – which... 


Laborers dig at the Rubaya coltan mine, in the town of Rubaya, which is controlled by M23 rebels, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Congo offers tantalum deposit under M23 control to US in minerals pact, document shows
19th February 2026 By: Reuters

The Democratic Republic of Congo added the rebel-held Rubaya coltan mine, one of the world's richest tantalum deposits, to a shortlist of strategic assets it is offering to the US under a minerals... 


Zijin to launch Congo’s first lithium output in June from disputed Manono deposit
Zijin to launch Congo’s first lithium output in June from disputed Manono deposit
12th February 2026 By: Reuters

China’s Zijin Mining will initiate Congo’s first lithium output in June from the disputed Manono deposit and move immediately to exports, the company and state miner Cominiere said, marking a major... 


Drill core from the Manono project
Manono lithium/tin project, Democratic Republic of Congo – update
14th November 2025 By: Sheila Barradas

Australia's corporate regulator has sued AVZ Minerals and two of its directors, alleging the miner has failed to disclose an escalating legal dispute with the Democratic Republic of Congo over its... 


The site where the Manono project is located
Australia watchdog sues AVZ Minerals over Congo disclosure breaches
11th November 2025 By: Reuters

Australia's corporate regulator said on Tuesday it has sued AVZ Minerals and two of its directors, alleging the miner failed to disclose an escalating legal dispute with the Democratic Republic of... 


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