The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced over 2 million tonnes of refined copper in 2023, according to the International Copper Study Group. This figure is expected to grow with the commissioning of Ivanhoe Mines' new smelter, but much of this increased supply is already tied to China.
The DRC exported 1.48 million tonnes of refined copper to China in 2024, up 71% year-on-year. According to the source, Reuters, the DRC contributed 36.7% of China's copper imports last year, against 10% in 2020. Further growth is anticipated with the upcoming launch of Ivanhoe Mines' smelter in 2025.
Ivanhoe Mines, a Canadian company, operates Kamoa-Kakula, the DRC’s largest copper mine. In 2021, Ivanhoe started building a smelter capable of producing 500,000 tonnes of copper anodes, per year. Chinese companies Zijin Mining and CITIC Metal have already signed agreements to purchase 80% of the smelter’s output over three years.
The deals are pivotal for expanding Congolese copper exports to China. In 2023, the DRC was the world’s second-largest producer of refined copper, spurred by Chinese investments in processing infrastructure. At Kamoa-Kakula, Ivanhoe holds a 39.6% stake—equal to Zijin Mining’s share—while Zijin is also one of Ivanhoe's main shareholders.
China’s dominance in the Congolese mining sector has sparked concerns in Kinshasa. Indeed, Congolese authorities want to diversify partnerships and reduce reliance on the Asian behemoth. In recent months, discussions have been held with countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia.
“Today, 80% of our mines are with a single partner [China]. So it’s a risk [...]. You never know what might happen. That’s why we’re now trying to diversify our partnerships so as not to depend on a single partner,” said Marcellin Paluku, Deputy Director of Cabinet at the Ministry of Mines, during the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh in January 2025.
This article was initially published in French by Emiliano Tossou
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
• Global coffee consumption projected to hit a record 169.4 million 60-kg bags in 2025/2026, up from...
• Investors seem to keep focusing on yields, which are high for the moment• New Leadership might see...
• Algeria grants commercial 5G licenses to top three telecom operators: Mobilis, Djezzy, and Ooredoo...
• ECOWAS Bank funds 47.7-km stretch of strategic 700-km road project• Lagos-Calabar highway seen boo...
• IFC teams up with AfDB and Nigeria’s EbonyLife to assess a new fund for African cinema• Sector cou...
South Africa signs a bilateral agreement with Austria to boost technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The partnership promotes...
Burkina Faso promotes AI using local languages to increase inclusion. The initiative aims to train young technicians and expand digital...
Cauri Money launches Gajo Money, an e-wallet for the Cameroonian diaspora, targeting €120 million in transactions by end-2025. The fintech...
Angola launches a $300 million World Bank-funded project to tackle urban challenges. The project focuses on improving governance, housing,...
Located about 40 kilometers from Cape Town’s city center, Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is one of the Cape Peninsula’s most iconic destinations. This...
The Gerewol tradition is a fascinating ritual celebrated by the Bororo Fulani, a nomadic community primarily located in Chad and Niger. This annual...