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Can the Democratic Republic of the Congo produce lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials?

London and Kinshasa, November 24, 2021 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can leverage its abundant cobalt resources and hydroelectric power to become a low-cost and low-emissions producer of lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials.

Does the Democratic Republic of the Congo influence the cobalt market?

The mineral-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is often portrayed as a victim of exploitation by China, the US and Europe in their competition for its minerals, which are critical for the energy transition. But our research has found that the DRC can influence the shape of the cobalt market, in which it is the single largest producer.

Is the Democratic Republic of the Congo a victim of exploitation?

An artisanal miner holds a cobalt stone at the Shabara artisanal mine near Kolwezi. Junior Kannah/AFP via Getty Images The mineral-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is often portrayed as a victim of exploitation by China, the US and Europe in their competition for its minerals, which are critical for the energy transition.

Should lithium-ion batteries be expanded to DRC and Africa?

“As substantiated by the BloombergNEF report, the prospect of the expanding the value chain of development of lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles value chains to DRC and Africa is both financially and environmentally appealing,” commented Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).

Will China start a precursor factory in the DRC?

In line with risks identified in the Congolese mining sector and increasingly in Chinese operations, the deal addresses issues of corruption and poor practices and highlights the potential to establish precursor manufacturing in the DRC (US State Department, 2023).

Do Chinese mining companies control cobalt deposits in the DRC?

Though Chinese mining companies, both private and state-owned, control vast cobalt deposits in the DRC, our research concluded that the DRC can exert significant influence over the wider industry.

Will China start producing lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

An earlier version of this story corrected the parties involved in arbitration in second paragraph) ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. China's Zijin Mining Group Co. aims to start producing lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo early next year from one of the world's largest deposits of the battery metal.

Will Zijin start producing lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

(Bloomberg) -- China's Zijin Mining Group Co. aims to start producing lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo early next year from one of the world's largest deposits of the battery metal. Zijin is accelerating activity at a site in southeast Congo that's still claimed by AVZ Minerals Ltd.

Why are Chinese companies investing in Africa's lithium resources?

Chinese companies including Zijin are investing heavily in Africa's lithium resources from Mali to Zimbabwe, even after prices slumped almost 90% from a peak in 2022. They are seeking to lock down feedstock for refineries at home in anticipation of soaring future consumption of the metal.

Does Zijin own a copper mine in Congo?

Zijin also has interests in two copper mines in Congo, including a 39.6% stake in the giant Kamoa-Kakula complex, which is a partnership with Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. Congo's mines ministry didn't respond to questions sent by Bloomberg, while Cominiere – which owns 39% of Zijin's Manono project – declined to comment.