Sinomine Resource Group Co., Ltd. () is a Chinese mining and resource development company headquartered in Beijing. The company operates a portfolio of projects across Africa, Asia, and Canada.
History.
Sinomine was founded in 1999 as part of China’s reform of its state-owned geological survey system and was originally focused on geological services. It later evolved into a vertically integrated mining company. In 2015, Sinomine became publicly listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
In 2019, Sinomine acquired the historic Tanco Mine in Manitoba, Canada, producing cesium and rubidium. However, starting in 2022, Canadian government policy shifted decisively against Chinese ownership in the critical minerals sector. In November 2022, Canada ordered Sinomine and two other Chinese firms to divest from Canadian lithium assets. Despite these pressures, Sinomine retained ownership of the Tanco Mine and continued operating the mine.
In response to these restrictions, Sinomine accelerated its overseas expansion in Africa.
Canada.
Sinomine owns and operates the Tanco Mine in Manitoba, which produces lithium, cesium, and rubidium. It is one of the world’s few cesium-producing commercial mines.
Namibia.
In Namibia, Sinomine acquired the Tsumeb Smelter from Dundee Precious Metals in 2024. The facility processes complex copper concentrates and recovers by-products including gold and silver.
Zimbabwe.
Sinomine controls Bikita mine, a major lithium producer in Zimbabwe. The company has built facilities to process spodumene and petalite, and has plans for a lithium smelter as part of a US$500 million investment.
Zambia.
In Zambia, Sinomine is developing two copper-focused assets: