Zimbabwe Lithium Plant Limits Processing as Congo Begins Exports to China

Zimbabwe’s sole lithium‑sulphate plant, owned by China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, has confirmed it cannot process minerals from other producers. The government plans to impose an export ban on lithium concentrates starting January 2027 to encourage domestic processing and higher‑value exports.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Manono lithium project led by Chinese miner Zijin has started shipping lithium concentrate to China. The first shipments left in June 2026 after the processing plant entered production a month ahead of schedule, marking the DRC’s inaugural lithium export. The joint‑venture is 54.9% owned by Zijin, 35.1% by state‑owned Cominiere and 10% by the Congolese government.