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Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, Governor of South Kivu, revealed that at least 1,600 companies are illegally mining resources in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He made this statement before the French National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee on April 2, 2025, during a hearing on the region's security and economic situation.

Upon taking office in June 2024, Sadiki initiated a mining sector overhaul. A month later, he issued an order suspending mining activities to identify companies operating illegally. "We expected 400 companies, but 1,600 showed up—some having operated for 8 to 10 years without permits, taxes, or registration," he said.

These companies, mostly Chinese-owned, are part of a broader network illicitly exploiting gold, coltan, cassiterite, copper, and diamonds. Sadiki and UN experts believe this network benefits Rwanda, which acts as a gateway for multinationals due to its superior infrastructure and supply chain. This allows them to bypass the DRC's disorganized market to access its minerals through the neighboring country.

Economic War

Governor Sadiki alleged that 750,000 kg of gold are smuggled out every six months for refining in Rwanda, "which has set up refineries right on the border." The EU sanctioned Rwanda's Gasabo Gold Refinery on March 17, 2025, for processing illegally mined gold from the DRC, though Kigali denies involvement without providing mineral origin proof.

The official added that most of this illicit gold is exported to the Middle East—67% goes to Dubai, UAE, and Saudi Arabia—while less than 2% reaches Europe. The rest heads to China. 

Purusi Sadiki argues that the conflict in eastern DRC is economically driven, with Rwanda seeking land control, commercial dominance, and mineral monopolization. He notes that “M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, align their progress with mining site locations.”

Rwanda countered, stating it only took defensive actions to “protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity” against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which it sees as an “existential threat” following their refuge in the DRC since the 1994 genocide.

Internal Struggles 

To address ongoing tensions, Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki advocates for a "mining for peace, security, and development" deal. This would involve integrating more European and American companies into the DRC's mineral exploitation, hoping their presence could deter armed groups and stabilize the region.

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and Sadiki both believe that Western interests can help restore order. Currently, Kinshasa is negotiating a mineral agreement with Washington.

However, the governor's early tenure in South Kivu highlights the DRC's internal challenges. Corruption and an overly complex tax system—featuring over 1,400 taxes, including 147 deemed unnecessary—pose significant obstacles. Despite these hurdles, Sadiki claims to have boosted the province's mining revenues from $500,000 to $1.75 million after just one month of reforms.

This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Posted On lundi, 14 avril 2025 16:06 Written by

Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa recently met with DP World executives in Dubai(UAE). They discussed the Banana deepwater port project, which DP World is developing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

According to the Emirati executives, the first phase of the project, originally due in 2025, could be finished in 2026. Suminwa noted that DP World has promised to get the first ships landing "as early as next year, 2026," provided everything goes smoothly.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed her government's commitment to seeing the project through. "We're showing that the DRC and the President of the Republic, through the government,  are truly dedicated to completing this project," she said.

Launched in 2022, the project faced setbacks in 2024, “due to financial and technical issues.” However, after a breakthrough in September, work resumed in October. 

Last March, DP World awarded Mota-Engil a $250 million contract to complete the first phase of the project–building a 600-meter quay, developing a 30 ha storage area, and setting up modern container facilities with an annual processing capacity of 450,000 containers. 

Strategically located in the Kongo-Central province, the port will give the DRC direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, bypassing neighboring countries' ports.

This article was initially published in French by Ronsard Luabeya (intern)

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Posted On lundi, 14 avril 2025 14:38 Written by

China Molybdenum Company (CMOC) produced 30,414 tonnes of cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Q1 2025. Year-on-year, the Chinese group’s output grew 20%, according to a report, dated April 8, relayed by Reuters. 

Despite the Congolese government’s recent suspension of cobalt exports, CMOC has maintained its production levels and forecasts for 2025, expecting between 100,000 and 120,000 tonnes of cobalt. CMOC did not justify its decision.

However, the move reflects the strategic nature of cobalt as a by-product of copper mining at CMOC’s Tenke Fungurume and Kisanfu mines. Interrupting cobalt production would affect copper output, which remains profitable due to relatively stable prices. In Q1 2025, CMOC’s copper production increased by 15.7%.

Launched in February, the suspension is in place for four months, which means CMOC could resume exports later in the year. Since the ban, cobalt prices on the London Metal Exchange have risen from around $21,000 to $33,000 per tonne, a 57% increase, supporting the government's strategy to boost prices and earn more from the cobalt mining.

" This level, the highest since May 2023, validates the approach adopted by the government and makes it possible to envisage, in the short term, a significant recovery in contributions to state revenues from the exploitation of this resource," the Congolese government stated at the end of the Council of Ministers meeting on April 4.

However, there are no guarantees that CMOC will fully benefit from this price upturn, as the ban could be extended. Moreover, when exports resume, a potential influx of cobalt could pressure prices downward. In response, the DRC is considering export quotas to maintain market equilibrium, though specific details have not been disclosed.

This article was initially published in French by Emiliano Tossou (Ecofin Agency)

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Posted On vendredi, 11 avril 2025 18:11 Written by

The Kamoa-Kakula copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced 133,120 tonnes of copper concentrate in Q1 2025, from 86,117 tonnes in the same quarter in 2024, thus 58% up. On April 7, Canadian operator Ivanhoe Mines released the figures.

This growth was fueled by strong performance across the mine's three concentrators, which processed a record 3.72 million tonnes of ore in the quarter. The Phase 3 concentrator was particularly notable, milling 1.51 million tonnes of ore alone, while the mine achieved a daily record of 51,528 tonnes by the end of March.

The robust output aligns with Ivanhoe's 2025 production targets for Kamoa-Kakula, which project between 520,000 and 580,000 tonnes of copper concentrate for the year, up from the 437,061 tonnes delivered in 2024. Ivanhoe also expects ore grades at the Phase 3 concentrator to improve throughout the year, driving continued strong results.

Ownership of the Kamoa-Kakula mine is split among the Congolese state, which holds a 20% stake, Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining, each holding 39.6%, and Crystal River Global Limited, with a 0.8% interest. The mine's operational achievements underline its growing role as a significant contributor to the DRC’s copper production and its strategic importance in the global copper market.

This article was initially published in French by Aurel Sèdjro Houenou (Ecofin Agency)

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Posted On vendredi, 11 avril 2025 16:59 Written by

Genew Technologies and Zhongshi Wosen, both Chinese companies, will help the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) build its fiber optic network. The Congolese Minister of Telecoms, Augustin Maliba, signed the related memorandum of understanding(MoU) on April 7, 2025.

"With the support of the Minister and the Agency for the Steering, Coordination and Monitoring of Collaboration Agreements (APCSC), we will strive to significantly improve the telecommunications sector in the DRC," said Wu Minhua, CEO of Genew Technologies. He also noted that the DRC had been on his company’s radar for investment for several years, adding, "The time has come, that's why we're here."

While MoUs often lead to collaboration, they are not legally binding commitments. Thus, only definitive agreements will seal the partnership with Genew Technologies and Zhongshi Wosen.

Genew Technologies, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Shenzhen, specializes in end-to-end communication solutions and telecommunications infrastructure. It is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. 

Zhongshi Wosen, on the other hand, remains less known, though it is already active in the DRC. Its president, Zhou Tiesheng, visited Central South University (CSU) in China alongside a Congolese government delegation in November 2024. 

According to the Congolese Ministry of Telecom, the two Chinese companies are experienced in ICT and fiber optic communications, and have worked in markets like Angola and Mauritania.

The need for infrastructure development in the DRC is pressing. According to the Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications (ARPTC), only 9,361 km of optical fiber have been deployed out of the 50,000 km outlined in the Plan National du Numérique – Horizon 2025.

This article was initially published in French by Pierre Mukoko

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Posted On vendredi, 11 avril 2025 16:25 Written by

Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) and Kisanfu Mining (KFM), two subsidiaries of Chinese group China Molybdenum Corporation Limited (CMOC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reported impressive sales of 50.6 billion yuan renminbi ($7.05 billion) in 2024, up 80.71% compared to 2023. The figure was almost 40% of the DRC's national budget 2024.

Over the year reviewed, CMOC sold 689,521 tonnes of copper, generating $5.82 billion, and 108,892 tonnes of cobalt, contributing $1.22 billion. The DRC accounted for 77.5% of mineral output sold directly by the Chinese group; it was the group's most profitable jurisdiction in terms of gross margin (47.1%), despite rising operating costs.

“During the first half of 2024, three production lines at TFM's mixed ore project achieved their production targets and standards. This brought TFM's production lines to five, with an annual copper capacity of 450,000 tonnes. Combined with KFM's annual capacity of 150,000 tonnes, the group operated six production lines in the DRC, exceeding 600,000 tonnes per year,” CMOC officials explained.

This strong performance comes amid fluctuating market conditions. While copper prices held steady in 2024, cobalt prices fell 26.57% over the year, from over $28,000 per tonne in January to $24,000 in December. 

Regulatory Challenges

Last February, Congolese authorities temporarily suspended cobalt exports for four months to stabilize prices on an oversupplied market. 

However, CMOC has kept producing and stockpiling. In Q1 2025, the group produced 30,414 tonnes of cobalt, up 20.7% year-over-year, and maintained its annual forecast of 100,000 to 120,000 tonnes. Since the suspension, cobalt prices have rebounded, rising 57%, reinforcing CMOC's strategy.

The DRC remains a critical player in the global cobalt supply chain, with TFM and KFM accounting for over 70% of global cobalt production. In 2024, the two subsidiaries contributed to 60% of the DRC’s cobalt exports and 45% of copper exports, generating substantial state revenues from mining royalties and taxes.

Looking ahead, CMOC’s prospects in the DRC remain strong, but challenges persist. The group faces regulatory hurdles, geopolitical tensions between China and the U.S., evolving demand for battery metals, and calls for greater supply chain transparency. Its strategy of diversification, vertical integration, and investment in sustainable infrastructure will be crucial for maintaining its growth trajectory while addressing environmental and social concerns associated with mining in Central Africa.

It is worth noting that CMOC, via its Swiss subsidiary IXM, which specializes in raw materials trading, also markets resources purchased from other producers.

This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

 

Posted On vendredi, 11 avril 2025 15:48 Written by

On April 2, 2025, China Molybdenum Co. Ltd (CMOC) issued a tender call for electrical work in the localities of Kisanfu Gare and Koni, Lualaba province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project involves constructing a 2.5 km 11 kV medium-voltage line, creating low-voltage networks, and installing a public lighting system. 

Interested companies must submit applications by April 7, including legal and financial compliance documentation and references for similar projects.

This initiative is part of the development of the Kisanfu mining project, which CMOC acquired in December 2020 for $550 million from Freeport-McMoRan. The Kisanfu deposit is notable for its significant copper and cobalt resources, which are crucial for electric vehicle battery production.

CMOC is a major player in subcontracting in the DRC. In 2024, it awarded over $985 million in contracts to local companies through its Tenke Fungurume and Kisanfu mines, accounting for nearly 50% of the total volume reported by the Autorité de régulation de la sous-traitance dans le secteur privé (ARSP).

Boaz Kabeya (intern)

Posted On mercredi, 09 avril 2025 08:21 Written by

Ivanhoe Mines is preparing for a significant increase in power requirements at the Kamoa-Kakula mine complex as it readies to commission the facility’s smelter in May 2025. By 2026, when all phases and the smelter are fully operational, electricity demand is expected to rise to approximately 240 MW, up from 130 to 140 MW in March 2025.

In a press release dated April 7, Ivanhoe has outlined its plans to meet this growing demand and transition the complex to green energy by 2026. 

Last month, 100 MW came from hydroelectric sources. Half of the input came from Zambia or Mozambique,  and the other half was produced on-site, by diesel generators. Following a recent agreement, hydroelectric imports have increased from 50 MW to 70 MW, with further expansion to 100 MW expected soon.

The commissioning of Inga II turbine 5 in the third quarter of 2025 will add another 50 MW of hydroelectric power, potentially bringing the total hydropower supply to 200 MW if imports are maintained at 100 MW. Additionally, Ivanhoe plans to launch a solar project in August 2025, which will provide a constant 30 MW of power through a 222 MWp photovoltaic solar power plant coupled with a battery storage system. The project falls under a recent agreement between Kamoa Copper, which owns the Kamoa-Kakula complex, and CrossBoundary Energy, a clean energy developer.

“This enhanced power capacity has bolstered confidence in finalizing the commissioning of the smelting furnace,” reads the April 7 release. According to this source, the smelter should produce its first 99.7% purity copper anodes by July 2025. Ivanhoe projects reaching around 80% of the smelter's capacity by year-end, with power consumption rising from 45 MW at start-up to 70 MW at full capacity.

By 2026, Ivanhoe aims to exceed annual copper production of 600,000 tonnes with the completion of Project 95, which seeks to optimize copper concentrate recovery to 95%. This initiative could add 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes of concentrate annually, following projected production of between 520,000 and 580,000 tonnes in 2025. After reaching 437,061 tonnes in 2024, Ivanhoe’s strategic investments in renewable energy and operational efficiency are set to drive significant growth in copper output.

This article was initially published in French by Pierre Mukoko

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Posted On mardi, 08 avril 2025 17:37 Written by

In Djugu territory, located in Ituri province, persistent insecurity and a lack of transportation have severely disrupted local agricultural activity. According to testimonies gathered by Radio Okapi, food crops such as potatoes, cabbages, and beans are rotting in the fields, unable to reach consumer centers like Bunia due to logistical challenges.

The situation is particularly dire in localities such as Largu and Drodro, where armed groups have made key roads impassable, including those connecting Largu, Saliboko, and Katoto. "The roads have become impassable. Harvested produce remains on the spot and ends up getting lost," lamented Charité Banza, a civil society representative in Northern Bahema.

A 2023 study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted that 60% of farmers and 64% of herders in Ituri were already struggling to market their goods due to rising transport costs and deteriorating road infrastructure. These issues have limited market access, reduced rural incomes, and disrupted the flow of agricultural and livestock products to consumption centers.

Efforts have been made to address these challenges. In August 2024, the Stabilization and Recovery of Eastern DRC (Star-Est) project announced plans to rehabilitate 50 km of agricultural feeder roads in Djugu territory using high-intensity labor methods. This initiative aimed to open up production areas and facilitate crop evacuation along routes such as the Soleniama-Katoto-Kparngaza-Masumbuko-Blukwa axis. However, ongoing insecurity continues to undermine these efforts.

Beyond agricultural losses, the lack of transportation is affecting the supply of necessities in landlocked areas. Goods like soap, salt, and fuel typically transported from Bunia are becoming scarce, driving up prices. For instance, the price of a liter of fuel has surged from 3,500 to 5,000 Congolese francs in just a few weeks.

Boaz Kabeya (intern)

Posted On mardi, 08 avril 2025 14:40 Written by

The Kipushi mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced 42,736 tonnes of zinc concentrate in the first quarter of 2025. Ivanhoe Mines, the asset’s Canadian owner, released the figure in its quarterly report dated April 7. The document indicates that Kipushi produced 18,946 and 32,490 tonnes in Q3 and Q4 of 2024, respectively.

Ivanhoe attributes the growth to strong operational momentum at the mine’s concentrator, which achieved an average recovery rate of 88%. During the past quarter, the facility milled a record 151,403 tonnes of ore with an average grade of 53% zinc in the concentrate produced.

Ivanhoe expects the mine to deliver between 180,000 and 240,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate this year, which is significantly higher than the 50,307 tonnes recorded in 2024. However, at the current pace, projected annual production would reach only 170,944 tonnes, falling short of the lower end of the target range. The second quarter will be critical in determining whether Ivanhoe can meet its annual goals.

Operational challenges in 2024 had already forced Ivanhoe to revise its forecasts downward from an initial estimate of 100,000–140,000 tonnes to just 50,000–70,000 tonnes. While Kipushi’s ramp-up is promising, sustained progress will be necessary to achieve its ambitious production targets for 2025.

The Kipushi mine came online last June. 

This article was initially published in French by Aurel Sèdjro Houenou  

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Posted On mardi, 08 avril 2025 14:00 Written by
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