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.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

Endeavour Mining Q1 Earnings: Cash Flow Is King

G Mining Oko West Feasibility: Move Fast, Break.. Nothing?

New Gold Q1 Earnings: What’s Behind The Market’s Surprising Reaction?

Recommended

Giant Mining Encounters Native Copper As Hole MHB-34 Hits 563 Metres Depth

Verses Hits Commercialization Stage With Genius AI Platform

Related News

Pegasus Resources Reports Review Of Several Green Energy Projects

Pegasus Resources (TSXV: PEGA) this morning revealed that it is in the process of reviewing...

Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 09:07:22 AM

The Drill Core That Got Newmont & Eric Sprott Hooked | Metallic Minerals with Scott Petsel

In this interview at the Commodities Global Expo 2024, Scott Petsel, President of Metallic Minerals...

Friday, October 25, 2024, 01:05:00 PM

Max Resources Identifies Copper Mineralization At Depths Of 400 Metres From Surface In Historic Drill Core

The study of historic drill core appears to be paying off for Max Resource Corp...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 08:05:27 AM

Copper: The Silent Winner In America’s Trade War | Ken Engquist – Intrepid Metals

In this interview, Ken Engquist of Intrepid Metals (TSXV: INTR) reveals the strategic potential of...

Friday, March 7, 2025, 03:47:00 PM

Haywood Raises Nevada Copper Price Target After Debt Extension

On October 12th, Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) announced that it has entered into an...

Saturday, October 16, 2021, 01:05:00 PM