MWE Correspondent
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has granted seven exploration licences to a United States–backed mining firm, opening a new chapter in the global race for lithium, a mineral that has become indispensable for the clean energy revolution.
According to officials in Kinshasa, the permits cover a vast area of about 4,500 square kilometres, stretching across the mineral-rich territories of Manono and Malemba Nkulu. The licences allow exploration not only for lithium, but also for coltan, gold, tin, and other rare earth elements, underscoring Congo’s ambition to diversify its role in the global energy transition.
Manono, located in the south of the country, is already recognised as home to one of the largest undeveloped lithium deposits in the world. The area is now at the centre of mounting international interest, as governments and companies seek reliable supplies of critical minerals to power electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems, and digital technologies.
Congo is no stranger to being at the heart of global demand. The country already produces nearly 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, another vital mineral for battery production. By expanding into lithium, authorities in Kinshasa aim to cement their position as a major player in the shift toward sustainable energy, while also reducing the industry’s reliance on established supply chains dominated by China.
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Exploration work is expected to begin immediately, with the mining firm deploying advanced geological surveys and artificial intelligence to identify deposits more effectively. Industry observers note that such technology-driven exploration could accelerate the timeline for developing the resource.
Yet the project is not without controversy. The Manono deposit is currently the subject of a bitter dispute. Australian-based AVZ Minerals claims it holds prior rights to the site and has taken its case to international arbitration. The dispute has cast uncertainty over the future of the licences, although reports suggest that discussions between AVZ and the new entrant are ongoing, with the possibility of a settlement or buyout still on the table.
Analysts believe the outcome of this legal standoff will resonate far beyond Congo. With global demand for lithium projected to quadruple by 2035, the stakes are high not only for Kinshasa but also for global supply chains. If resolved smoothly, Congo could become a cornerstone in the international effort to secure minerals essential for decarbonisation.
Still, activists and civil society groups are urging caution. They warn that any expansion of mining must be accompanied by strong safeguards on transparency, community benefits, and environmental protection. Given Congo’s long history of resource-related conflicts and governance challenges, campaigners stress that the country must seize this moment to ensure its mineral wealth translates into lasting prosperity.
