Diversification beyond traditional commodities such as gold and PGMs into battery and critical minerals underscores Africa’s expanding role in global strategic metals markets.
Copper: The backbone of African mining expansion
Kamoa–Kakula (DRC)
One of the world’s largest and highest grade copper projects, operated by Ivanhoe Mines, continues to expand output toward record quarterly production and further capacity increases through 2026. Its scale and low unit costs make it a bellwether project for Africa’s share of global copper supply.
Kitumba (Zambia)
Developed by Sinomine Resources, the Kitumba copper project is slated for production commencement in 2026, adding materially to Zambia’s copper output. It forms part of Zambia’s strategic drive to increase copper production capacity.
Sinomine’s Kashime and Mingomba (Zambia)
Alongside Kitumba, these upcoming copper mines (Mimosa Resources’ Kashime and KoBold’s Mingomba) represent Zambia’s ambitious plan to grow copper output – a key element of its push toward Mtpa production by 2031.
Lithium and battery metals: Powering EVs and storage
Arcadia Lithium (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe remains Africa’s lithium hub, and the Arcadia operation is entering an important phase: a new lithium sulphate plant by Huayou is due to begin production in early 2026, producing >50,000 tpa of battery grade intermediate product. This marks progress toward local beneficiation of lithium beyond concentrate exports.
Manono Lithium (DRC)
China’s Zijin Mining is developing the Manono lithium project, expected to start mining and processing lithium oxide early in 2026 – a significant milestone as the continent moves to supply battery minerals critical to EV and storage markets.
Gold: Resurgence and new mining frontiers
Qala Shallows (South Africa)
The first new underground gold mine in South Africa in 15 years, Qala Shallows is transitioning from development to operational ramp up with first gold production targeted in early 2026, extending the long standing Witwatersrand Basin’s legacy.
Nickel and cobalt: Diversifying critical metal supply
Kabanga Nickel Project (Tanzania)
When operational, Kabanga will be one of Africa’s most significant nickel resources, with high grade nickel and byproducts copper and cobalt – all essential for battery production. Long anticipated and now advancing under new joint venture arrangements, it’s a key battery metals development to watch.
Zambia’s Cobalt Refinery (Zambia)
Africa’s first significant cobalt sulfate refinery, led by Kobaloni Energy and backed by Vision Blue and the Africa Finance Corporation, is commissioning by end 2025, expanding local processing capacity for EV battery supply chains.
Manganese and graphite: Emerging industrial metals plays
Luongo Open Pit Mine (Zambia)
Musamu Resources is scaling the first large scale manganese mine in Zambia’s Luapula Province toward ~1 Mtpa by 2027, supporting steel alloy and battery markets.
Graphite Prospects (Zambia)
High grade graphite discoveries in Petauke, Lundazi, and Kapiri Mposhi are progressing toward commercialisation, targeting the global surge in demand for EV battery anodes.
PGMs and diversified metals
Tharisa Underground PGM Expansion (South Africa)
Tharisa Plc is investing ~US$547 million to develop a mechanised underground PGM mine on South Africa’s Bushveld, targeting meaningful PGMs and chrome output by mid decade – critical for clean energy applications and industrial catalysts.
Rare earths and strategic minerals
EU Backed strategic projects (Pan Africa)
Several rare earth, graphite, and cobalt processing projects across Africa (e.g., Songwe Hill rare earths in Malawi, Maniry graphite in Madagascar, a cobalt refinery in Zambia) have been identified as globally strategic under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, attracting technical and financial support.
Why these projects matter
- Copper and lithium are critical to global electrification and EV supply chains, and Africa’s projects – especially in DRC and Zambia – are vital to meeting projected demand growth.
- Local processing and downstream development, such as Zimbabwe’s lithium sulphate plants and Zambia’s cobalt refinery, reflect a broader push toward beneficiation and supply chain value capture.
- Diversification beyond traditional commodities such as gold and PGMs into battery and critical minerals underscores Africa’s expanding role in global strategic metals markets.
Article source: https://miningindaba.com/articles/mining-projects-to-watch-in-africa-per-commod
