Gécamines to become the leading zinc exporter in the Democratic Republic of Congo

With this agreement, and KICO's estimated production of between 240 000 – 290 000 t of zinc metal contained in the concentrates, as well as germanium and gallium, Gécamines will become KICO's main customer and the leading zinc exporter in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“This ambitious off-take agreement, however, is only the first step in a broader strategy with KICO that aims to move towards the processing of zinc concentrates, but also copper, germanium, and gallium, and thus become the sole buyer of KICO's production,” emphasises Mr. Guy-Robert LUKAMA, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gécamines SA.

This new partnership stems from Gécamines' specific contractual rights to purchase KICO's production since 2023.

Gécamines' ability to exercise these rights was made possible thanks to the partnership established in December 2025 with Mercuria Energy Trading, which provides the necessary financial, logistical, and commercial capabilities.

This new agreement between Gécamines and KICO strengthens its commercial strategy and further positions the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the world leaders in the global trade of strategic minerals.

“This operation, which now positions Gécamines as the country's leading zinc exporter, is further proof of Gécamines' commitment to regaining control over the raw materials produced in the DRC, particularly through its partnerships,” stated Mr. Placide NKALA, the General Manager of Gécamines SA.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/04022026/gcamines-to-become-the-leading-zinc-exporter-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo/