In Manono, Kobold Metals teams are crisscrossing the exploration areas in search of clues that will make it possible to better define lithium resources. According to information reported by TV5 Monde, geologists collect up to 2,000 samples per week. Numbered and packaged, these are then analyzed in the laboratory.
The equipment used does not necessarily make it possible to detect lithium directly. Geologists instead look for elements associated with it in order to establish ratios that make it possible to estimate its presence and grade. “From these accompanying elements, we can determine ratios that allow us to say that with this ratio, if the lithium is at such a quantity and such a grade,” explains Kevin Tambwe, head of Kobold Metals in the DRC.
AI to target drilling
The American company also uses artificial intelligence to analyze the data collected in the field. This information should make it possible to identify the areas with the highest potential and to target drilling operations.
“This information allows us to determine the key points where we will direct the drilling,” explains Kevin Tambwe, specifying that the data are then used to train artificial intelligence models capable of making predictions about the position of the deposit.
Drilling operations began in April. Kobold Metals states that this more targeted approach should make it possible to limit unnecessary interventions in the field and their environmental impact.
Between competition and cooperation
The development of lithium in Manono is taking place in a context of a growing presence of Chinese actors in the sector. Chinese companies have already begun activities in the area and produced their first volumes of lithium last July.
Kobold Metals nevertheless says it is considering collaboration with these operators, particularly around infrastructure and community projects. “Our presence here will allow us to collaborate with the Chinese companies that are in the region,” says Benjamin Katabula, general manager of Kobold Metals.
The question of local benefits remains. The administrator of Manono territory, Cyprien Kitanga, deplores effects that are still limited on employment and development. He fears that mining operations will reproduce the difficulties experienced during the former tin mining.
While lithium is presented as a strategic ore for the energy transition and battery manufacturing, mining activities in Manono also raise concerns related to agricultural land, population displacement and the environment. For the DRC, the challenge will therefore be to transform the geological potential of lithium into sustainable economic and social benefits.
Héritier Maila / TV5 Monde
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