10 African mining projects set to hit milestones in 2026

At a Glance

• African mining projects in copper, lithium, gold, and iron ore advance in 2026. 
• Major DRC, South Africa, Mali, and Guinea mines to hit production and expansion milestones. 
• Infrastructure upgrades and rail projects boost Africa’s global mineral supply and investor appeal.

African mining is poised for a defining year in 2026, as several major projects move from development to meaningful production. After years of delays and cautious investment, the continent is preparing to deliver outputs across key commodities including copper, lithium, gold, and iron ore.

Analysts say these projects could strengthen Africa’s role in global supply chains and attract renewed investor interest. 

From the Democratic Republic of Congo’s high-grade copper and lithium deposits to new gold operations in South Africa and Mali, the coming year will showcase both established and emerging ventures.

Many projects aim to boost production, expand processing capacity, and complete infrastructure upgrades that will shape their contributions to regional economies and global markets. 

Logistics and infrastructure will be critical, with rail, port, and power projects supporting the transport and processing of minerals across the continent.

Shore.Africa highlights 10 mining projects set to reach key milestones in 2026, potentially marking a turning point for Africa’s resource sector, while offering economic gains for host countries and investors alike.

Copper and Lithium Projects in the DRC 

Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex – Democratic Republic of Congo 

Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa-Kakula operation, one of the world’s richest copper deposits, is moving toward production stability and expansion in 2026. Copper output is forecast at 380,000 to 420,000 tonnes, while an updated life-of-mine plan is expected early in the year.

After overcoming dewatering issues and resuming underground operations, the complex plans to clear concentrate stock and increase smelter feed. 

Manono Lithium Project – Democratic Republic of Congo 

The Manono Lithium Project, among the world’s largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium deposits, targets initial commercial production in early 2026.

Designed to process 5 million tonnes per year, the project includes a smelter producing roughly 95,000 tonnes of crude lithium sulfate annually.

Construction is progressing on schedule, including mining operations, processing facilities, logistics infrastructure, and a Phase I solar farm. Commissioning is set for June 30, 2026.

Gold Developments in South Africa and Mali 

Qala Shallows Gold Mine – South Africa 

West Wits Mining’s Qala Shallows project marks South Africa’s first new shallow underground gold mine in 15 years. Mining began in late 2025, with the first gold pour expected in March 2026.

The mine aims to produce 70,000 ounces annually and represents the initial phase of a larger plan to develop the Witwatersrand Basin. 

Goulamina Lithium Project – Mali 

Ganfeng Lithium, in partnership with the Malian government, has advanced Goulamina into commercial production. The mine currently produces 506,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually, with plans to expand to 1 million tonnes. Goulamina supplies battery-grade lithium, reinforcing Mali’s role in global lithium markets. 

Bougouni Lithium Project – Mali 

Following its November 2025 inauguration by Mali’s president, Bougouni is shifting from commissioning to full production. Stage 1 of the dense media separation plant has started producing high-grade spodumene, with first exports expected to generate revenue.

Annual output is projected at 125,000 tonnes of 5.5% Li₂O spodumene, with Stage 2 planned to nearly double capacity.

Fekola Regional Expansion – Mali 

B2Gold’s Fekola Mine is expanding underground and through the Fekola Regional project. Ore production has begun, with the regional expansion expected to add 180,000 ounces of gold annually for the first five full years of production.

Infrastructure milestones, including haul roads and pre-stripping activities, are complete, enabling early 2026 output. 

Otjikoto Antelope Underground Project – Namibia 

B2Gold is developing the Antelope deposit to supplement output from Otjikoto Mine. High-grade underground zones are being evaluated for low-cost production, with technical planning and permitting continuing through 2026 to support future development.

Infrastructure and Iron Ore 

Simandou Iron Ore Project – Guinea Simandou is moving from construction to initial production in 2026. The high-grade iron ore deposit will deliver millions of tonnes into global markets, with northern and southern blocks ramping up production while rail and port logistics are tested.

Lobito Corridor Rail and Export Infrastructure – Angola/Zambia/DRC 

The Lobito Corridor continues integration across Angola, Zambia, and the DRC. Key segments are expected to reach operational readiness in 2026, reducing transport costs and transit times for copper and cobalt from the Central African Copperbelt to the Atlantic. 

Tulu Kapi Gold Project – Ethiopia 

After overcoming financing hurdles, Tulu Kapi is set to advance early construction milestones in 2026. The project will be among Ethiopia’s first large-scale gold mines, opening opportunities for investment and supporting the country’s emerging mining sector.

Tulu Kapi Gold Project – Ethiopia