Congo Expands Strategic Minerals List as Lithium Projects Advance

June 1, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

The Democratic Republic of Congo has moved to raise state revenues from emerging battery metal production by classifying lithium among a broader group of minerals deemed strategically important to the country’s economy.

The decision, approved by the council of ministers on Friday, places lithium under a higher royalty framework that applies to strategic minerals under Congo’s mining legislation.

The revised category now also includes tantalum, niobium, tungsten, uranium and rare earth elements. Under the mining code, companies extracting strategic minerals face a 10 percent royalty rate.

The policy shift comes as Congo prepares for its first large scale lithium production projects, with international mining companies accelerating activity in the country’s south eastern mineral belt.

Zijin Mining Group is expected to begin commissioning its Manono lithium project in June, while KoBold Metals launched a major exploration campaign earlier this year.

By extending the classification to lithium and other metals, authorities are positioning the country to capture a larger share of revenues as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise.