Mining

DR Congo: Gécamines Starts Exporting Germanium from New Lubumbashi Plant

DR Congo: Gécamines Starts Exporting Germanium from New Lubumbashi Plant
Wednesday, 16 October 2024 16:47

Gécamines has started exporting germanium concentrate from its new hydrometallurgical plant in the DR Congo. Commissioned in October 2023, the plant should enable the DRC to supply up to 30% of the world's germanium demand.

Gécamines is set to export its first shipment of germanium concentrate this week from a new hydrometallurgical plant operated by its subsidiary, STL. This plant, which began operations in 2023, could enable the DRC to meet up to 30% of the world's germanium demand.

The first shipment will be sent to Umicore in Belgium for further processing. In May 2024, Umicore signed an agreement with Gécamines to process germanium from the "Big Hill" tailings site in Lubumbashi. Guy Robert Lukama, Chairman of Gécamines, stated: “This first shipment of germanium confirms the ambition we've had for several years of wanting to make Congo this global hub for strategic metals, both for their extraction, which we already are in part and for their local processing in the future.”

The DRC is already the world's leading producer of cobalt and the second-largest copper producer. With STL's facilities, the country wants to provide a significant portion of global demand for germanium. Ramping up its germanium output could boost the DRC's mining revenues, projected to reach 14.82 trillion Congolese francs ($5 billion) by 2025, contributing about 30% of public revenues.

China currently dominates the world’s germanium market.

Emiliano Tossou

On the same topic
Ivanhoe’s Kamoa-Kakula smelter to begin operations in September, with output starting in October Facility to process 500,000 tons of concentrate...
Nigeria and Vietnam to co-host renewable energy forum focused on private investment NVCCI and VINATOKEN JSC to identify viable green energy...
Ghana to roll out round-the-clock services at Tema and Takoradi ports in July Reform aims to ease export logistics and reduce non-tariff...
Egypt signs deals to import up to 290 LNG cargoes over 30 months, starting in July Trafigura, Vitol, Shell, Saudi Aramco, and others involved in...
Most Read
01

• WAEMU’s inflation dropped from 2.2% in March to 1.5% in April 2025• BCEAO attributes the decline t...

WAEMU Inflation Rate Falls to 1.5% in April 2025
02

This launch is a significant milestone that highlights Rwanda's ongoing digital transformation. With...

MTN Rwanda Launches 5G Network in Kigali, Paving Way for Nationwide Expansion
03

BCEAO lowers main rate from 3.50% to 3.25% effective June 16, 2025 Inflation eased to 2.3% in...

BCEAO Cuts Key Rate to 3.25% to Stimulate Regional Growth
04

• FirstRand receives approval to take over HSBC's South African assets, clients, and staff• Move sup...

FirstRand to Acquire HSBC's Clients and Assets in South Africa
05

Egypt signs deals to import up to 290 LNG cargoes over 30 months, starting in July Trafigura,...

Egypt secures 290 LNG shipments ahead of peak summer electricity demand
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

Benjamin FLAUX
bf@agenceecofin.com 
Téls: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72
Média kit : Download

EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.