The Democratic Republic of Congo has approved a draft decree classifying lithium as a strategic mineral, a move that would raise royalties on producers from 3.5% to 10%. The decision coincides with Chinese miner Zijin Mining’s preparations to begin production at the Manono project in June—set to be the country’s first industrial lithium mine. The new decree also extends the designation to tantalum, niobium, tungsten, uranium, and rare earth elements. Authorities say the change reflects the growing importance of critical minerals in advanced technologies and energy systems. The decision highlights the DRC’s efforts to capture greater value from its vast natural resources as global demand for battery materials continues to grow.
Ecofin Agency
