The Zambian government has authorized two copper producers to resume sulfuric acid exports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to the country’s Trade Minister, Chipoka Mulenga, as the country eased restrictions on this mining input, Reuters reported on Thursday (14).
According to the agency, smelters in Zambia—Africa’s second-largest copper producer—generate about two million metric tons of sulfuric acid per year, mainly as a byproduct used by local mines. Any surplus is shipped to neighboring DRC.
In the Copperbelt region of Central Africa, sulfuric acid is used to extract cobalt and copper—in high demand for the transition to green energy—from oxide ores.
The Zambian government banned sulfuric acid exports in September of last year, followed by a licensing policy in March, after weak domestic production and global disruptions linked to the war in Iran restricted the supply of leaching chemicals. In response, mining companies in the DRC—the world’s largest producer of cobalt and second-largest producer of copper—reduced consumption and considered cutting production.
However, Zambia’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, told Reuters on Thursday that the government has authorized the mining companies Chambishi Copper Smelter and Mopani Copper Mines to resume shipments of sulfuric acid following the replenishment of local stocks.
They will export a “limited quantity to ensure the local market is not harmed,” Mulenga said, without specifying the volumes. The minister emphasized that Zambia may expand export authorizations if supply conditions continue to improve.
A document obtained by Reuters revealed that the ministry also authorized the chemical trading company Alliswell Investment Limited to export 5,000 metric tons of sulfuric acid.
An industry source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said that Mopani had not yet received its export license.
Chemical imports from the Congo have declined
Imports of chemical processing products from the Congo fell sharply in the first quarter, according to data from the logistics and warehousing group Access World.
Reuters previously reported that Mopani and Chambishi Copper Smelter are planning extended maintenance shutdowns this year.
Mulenga emphasized that the resumption of exports reflected an improvement in availability. “We allowed them to export because local inventories have increased, and these companies have mining operations that need to be supplied in Congo.”
Mopani will supply Glencore, while CCS will export through three Chinese-owned mines in Congo, the official added, without naming the companies.
