Ten African mining projects set to reach key milestones in 2026

After years of project delays and cautious investment, Africa’s mining sector is preparing for a notable uptick in activity in 2026. Several large-scale projects are approaching critical production, expansion, and infrastructure milestones, with outputs ranging from copper and lithium to gold and iron ore expected to surge.

Kamoa-Kakula Copper, DRC
One of the world’s richest copper deposits, the Kamoa-Kakula Complex, is set to stabilize production and expand output in 2026. Ivanhoe Mines anticipates copper production between 380,000 and 420,000 tonnes. An updated life-of-mine plan is scheduled for release early in the year. After resolving underground dewatering challenges, the operation plans to process existing concentrate stock and increase feed to the smelter.

Manono Lithium, DRC
The Manono Project, among the largest untapped hard-rock lithium deposits globally, targets its first commercial production in early 2026. The mine is designed to process 5 million tonnes of ore annually, with a smelter producing around 95,000 tonnes of crude lithium sulphate each year. Key infrastructure including the accommodation camp, solar farm, mining and processing facilities, and logistics systems is on track, with commissioning aimed for June 30.

Qala Shallows Gold, South Africa
South Africa’s first new shallow underground gold mine in 15 years, Qala Shallows, began mining in late 2025. Developed by West Wits Mining in the Witwatersrand Basin, the project expects its first gold pour in March 2026, targeting annual production of 70,000 ounces. This mine represents the initial phase of a broader regional plan for further gold development.

Goulamina Lithium, Mali
Ganfeng Lithium, in partnership with the Malian government, continues to advance Goulamina, one of Africa’s most mature lithium operations. Currently producing around 506,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per year, the project aims to expand to 1 million tonnes, helping position Mali as a critical supplier in the global lithium market.

Bougouni Lithium, Mali
Following its official opening in November 2025, the Bougouni Project is moving from commissioning into full-scale production in 2026. Stage 1 of its dense media separation plant is producing high-grade spodumene concentrate, with initial exports expected soon. Stage 2 is planned to almost double output, targeting 125,000 tonnes of 5.5 percent Li₂O concentrate annually.

Fekola Expansion, Mali
B2Gold’s Fekola Mine is entering a growth phase, combining underground mining with the Fekola Regional expansion. Ore from underground operations is already being processed, and the regional project is expected to contribute roughly 180,000 ounces of gold per year during its first five years, extending the mine’s operational life well into the 2030s.

Otjikoto Antelope, Namibia
B2Gold is exploring the Antelope underground deposit to complement Otjikoto Mine’s output. Following a favorable Preliminary Economic Assessment in 2025, technical planning and permitting are progressing, laying the groundwork for potential future production.

Simandou Iron Ore, Guinea
The Simandou project is shifting from construction to initial production in 2026. First shipments began in late 2025, with the focus now on ramping up output and testing rail and port infrastructure for long-term delivery of premium iron ore to international markets.

Lobito Corridor Rail, Angola Zambia DRC
Key sections of the Lobito Corridor, a rail and export route connecting the Central African Copperbelt to the Atlantic, are expected to become operational in 2026. The infrastructure will reduce transport costs and transit times for copper and cobalt, boosting regional trade efficiency.

Tulu Kapi Gold, Ethiopia
After overcoming financing and development delays, Ethiopia’s Tulu Kapi Project is set to advance construction milestones in 2026. Once operational, it will be one of the country’s first large-scale gold mines, attracting new investment and supporting broader mining sector growth.