From copper and lithium to gold and iron ore, the following ten projects stand out as key developments to watch in 2026.
One of the world’s highest-grade copper operations is transitioning from recovery to production stability and expansion in 2026. Ivanhoe Mines has issued guidance that copper output at Kamoa-Kakula is expected to reach between 380,000 and 420,000 tonnes in 2026, with plans to complete an updated life-of-mine plan in early 2026. After addressing dewatering challenges and restarting underground operations, the complex also intends to clear concentrate stock and increase smelter feed.
The Manono Lithium Project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium deposits, is on track for initial commercial production in early 2026. The project is designed with a total mining and processing capacity of 5 million tonnes per year and will include a smelter capable of processing 500,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually, producing approximately 95,170 tonnes of crude lithium sulphate each year.
Mine construction is well underway, with the accommodation camp and Phase I solar farm already commissioned. Key components, including mining operations, processing facilities, the smelter, logistics infrastructure, and river diversion works, are all progressing on schedule, with commissioning targeted for June 30, 2026.
The Qala Shallows Gold Mine, developed by West Wits Mining in South Africa’s Witwatersrand Basin, represents one of the rare new underground gold developments in the country’s mature gold sector. It is the first shallow underground gold mine to be developed in South Africa in 15 years.
Mining began in late 2025, with the first gold pour targeted for March 2026, marking the start of meaningful production and ramp-up expected throughout 2026. The mine aims to produce 70,000 ounces annually and forms the first phase of the larger Witwatersrand Basin Project, laying the groundwork for future expansion.
The Goulamina Lithium Project in Mali, operated by Ganfeng Lithium in partnership with the Malian government (which holds a 35% stake), has moved beyond development and entered commercial production, establishing itself as one of Africa’s most advanced lithium operations. Commissioning of the first production phase was completed in late 2024, and the mine is now producing around 506,000tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually, with plans to expand toward 1 million tonnes per year in subsequent phases.
Goulamina continues to generate battery-grade lithium concentrate into 2025 and 2026, supporting Mali’s emerging role in global lithium supply chains, and is expected to maintain strong output while underpinning the country’s ambitions as a key supplier of critical minerals.
Following its formal inauguration in November 2025 by Mali’s President General Assimi Goïta, the Bougouni Lithium Project is poised for continued progress through 2026 as it transitions from commissioning into sustained production and export operations.
The Stage 1 dense media separation (DMS) processing plant has already begun producing high‑grade spodumene concentrate, with the first export shipments expected to generate initial revenues and cement Bougouni’s role as a key supplier in the global lithium supply chain.
With a targeted annual output of roughly 125 000 tonnes of 5.5 % Li₂O spodumene concentrate and plans underway to nearly double capacity with a Stage 2 flotation plant, the project is expected to make significant contributions to Mali’s expanding critical minerals sector and to broader African lithium production in 2026.
As B2Gold’s Fekola Mine in Mali transitions into 2026, the company is progressing key components of its growth strategy with significant contributions expected from both underground operations and the Fekola Regional expansion. Following approval in mid‑2025 to commence underground mining at Fekola, stope ore production has begun and is being processed through the mill, with underground output expected to ramp up significantly in 2026.
Meanwhile, the Fekola Regional project, which received its exploitation permit and will see ore trucked to the existing Fekola mill, is anticipated to contribute approximately 180,000 ounces of additional gold annually over its first five full years of production from 2026 through 2030, enhancing the overall production profile and extending the life of the Fekola Complex well into the 2030s. Additionally, milestones such as the construction of haul roads and supporting infrastructure have already been completed, enabling mining pre‑stripping activities to transition into initial gold output early in 2026.
As the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia enters 2026, B2Gold is progressing plans to supplement its production profile through development of the Antelope underground deposit, following a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) completed in early 2025 that confirmed strong project economics and production potential.
The Antelope deposit, comprising zones with high‑grade gold mineralisation, could be developed as a small‑scale, low‑cost underground operation that supports Otjikoto’s output into the next decade alongside stockpile processing. With ongoing optimisation work, early technical planning and permitting are expected to continue through 2026, advancing the project toward potential future production.
In 2026, the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea is set to transition from construction to initial production, following first shipments expected in late 2025 and ongoing infrastructure development.
The high‑grade iron ore deposit, one of the world’s largest, is expected to deliver millions of tonnes of premium ore into the seaborne market, with production from both the northern and southern blocks ramping up before full-scale operations later in the decade. This phase will be critical for testing rail and port logistics, establishing export flows, and laying the groundwork for long-term contributions to global iron ore supply.
The Lobito Corridor, connecting the Central African Copperbelt to the Atlantic, continues construction and integration among Angola, Zambia, and the DRC. In 2026, key segments are expected to reach operational readiness, dramatically lowering transport costs and transit times for minerals like copper and cobalt. (Based on infrastructure project planning and regional transport agendas.)
Tulu Kapi has faced delays and complex financing challenges, but renewed developer focus and financing arrangements in 2025 have positioned the project to advance early construction and development milestones in 2026. When delivered, it will be one of Ethiopia’s first large-scale gold mines, unlocking new investment potential in the country’s mining sector.
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