Saturday, August 2, 2025

Latest

Copper Supply Disruptions Mount as Congo Halts Mine Operation Due to Radiation

Operations have been suspended at the La Compagnie Minière de Musonoie (COMMUS) copper and cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to concerns over excessive radiation levels in the cobalt produced there.

The mine, owned by Zijin Mining Group Ltd. and Gecamines, halted production earlier this week as government officials oversee testing of cobalt shipments that were exported and returned.

The COMMUS project in Kolwezi, Lualaba province produced 129,000 tons of copper and 2,200 tons of cobalt last year. Congo has some uranium deposits in its southeastern Katanga region which can occasionally lead to contamination. Cobalt is extracted as a by-product of copper mining.

The shutdown comes amid disruptions in the global copper supply, including the closure of First Quantum’s Cobre Panama mine and lowered guidance from Anglo American. China’s Zijin owns 72% of COMMUS, with Congo’s state mining company Gecamines holding the remaining 28% stake. Zijin also has an interest in Ivanhoe’s Kamoa-Kakula, Congo’s largest copper mine.

Meanwhile in Chile, Codelco is expected to see a dip in output this month after a fatal accident at its Radomiro Tomic mine. Chile’s Mining Minister Aurora Williams said Codelco’s April production “is probably going to go down a little” due to this disruption, though she expects a recovery in the third quarter. Codelco, battling to remain the world’s top copper producer, has seen output slump to 25-year lows.


Information for this story was found via Bloomberg, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Royal Gold Goes Big | $3.5 Billion Sandstorm Acquisition

Why Gold’s Bull Run May Just Be Getting Started! | Peter Grandich

Tariffs Spark New Race for Critical Metals | Rob McEwen

Recommended

Tsunami Warnings Spread As Largest Quake Since 2011 Hits Russia

Northern Superior Intersects 1.75 g/t Gold Over 65.0 Metres At Philibert

Related News

Ivanhoe Mines: BMO Raises Price Target To $10

This morning BMO Capital Markts raised their 12-month price target on Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN)...

Friday, September 11, 2020, 05:57:52 PM

First Quantum Craters 27% As Panama Puts Future Of Cobre Panama Mine To Referendum

The people have spoken. And unfortunately for First Quantum Minerals (TSX: FM), that means that...

Monday, October 30, 2023, 12:24:17 PM

Deep-South Claims Misunderstanding On Namibia Denying Haib Copper License Renewal

Deep-South Resources Inc. (TSXV: DSM) announced late Wednesday that it has received notice from Namibia’s...

Thursday, June 17, 2021, 09:09:30 AM

Copper Prices Could Soar to $20,000 Per Ton Amid Low Inventories, High Demand

The world may soon face a copper shortage, as widening supply and demand deficits threaten...

Friday, May 7, 2021, 10:41:00 AM

Copper Stock Heating Up? – The Daily Dive feat John-Mark Staude of Riverside Resources

Today on the Daily Dive, live direct from the Mexico Mining Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico...

Thursday, November 26, 2020, 01:00:00 PM