Gécamines and Mercuria launch partnership dedicated to copper and cobalt trading in the DRC

This collaboration will strengthen transparency, market access, and value creation within the DRC's mining ecosystem.

This partnership, developed under a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year, establishes a framework for optimising Gécamines' copper and cobalt production revenues. It aims to guarantee transparent and competitive trading terms, maximise local benefits, and give Gécamines greater visibility and control over the tonnage allocated to it through its partnerships, representing its 'equity tonnes' shareholding.

Strategic objectives and partnership structure

A key feature of the partnership is that Gécamines will now be able to participate directly in calls for expressions of interest for its 'equity tonnes.' This will allow the partnership to obtain competitive prices while ensuring that its resources are marketed transparently and strategically. This new approach strengthens Gécamines' ability to actively participate in the trade of its raw materials and reinforces its position in global value chains.

Furthermore, this partnership allows Gécamines to direct its tonnages to strategic markets for end users. By leveraging Mercuria’s global network and expertise, Gécamines gains greater control over the destination of its copper and cobalt tonnages, ensuring these essential resources are marketed to buyers aligned with the DRC’s long-term economic and industrial priorities.

Mercuria will provide operational support, including logistics, market access, and its expertise in implementing this trade policy. The collaboration also emphasises capacity building, with Mercuria supporting the training and development of Gécamines staff in trading, risk management, and operational processes.

Catalysing investment and international partnership

The United States’ International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has also formally expressed interest in taking a strategic financial stake in this partnership. This expression of interest underscores the initiative’s alignment with global development goals and the strengthening of resilient and transparent supply chains for critical minerals. The DFC's involvement demonstrates the commitment of the counterparties and the DFC's interest in further promoting and ensuring the partnership's commitment to responsible sourcing, local empowerment, and market integrity.

Strategic access and expanded scope

Under the investment contemplated in the DFC's Letter of Interest, the partnership would grant US end users a right of first refusal, providing US industries with access to critical minerals essential for economic growth and competitiveness. While initially focused on copper and cobalt, the partnership is also expected to support the commercialisation of other strategic minerals produced in the DRC, such as germanium and gallium. These elements are increasingly critical in advanced manufacturing applications, including semiconductors, solar technologies, and electric vehicles, underscoring the partnership's global relevance and forward-looking approach.

Furthermore, Mercuria will offer financing facilities to Gécamines, including pre-financing and production financing, to increase operational flexibility and accelerate commercialisation. These financial tools will strengthen Gécamines' ability to actively participate in global markets while reinforcing the financial viability of the partnership.

Strengthening Congolese sovereignty and its industrial vision

This partnership aligns with Gécamines' long-term vision to develop national commercial and marketing capabilities, positioning the partnership as an active player in global value chains. "This collaboration marks a pivotal step in Gécamines' journey to strengthen its role in the global metals market. This initiative primarily aims to ensure that Congolese copper and cobalt are traded transparently and fairly for the benefit of the country. It is important to note that this partnership gives Gécamines the ability to strategically direct its equity tonnage to end-user markets that align with our vision of strong and sustainable economic growth,” said Guy Robert Lukama, Chairman of Gécamines SA.

“This partnership redefines how the DRC interacts with global metals markets,” said Kostas Bintas, Global Head of Metals and Minerals at Mercuria. “It gives Gécamines greater control and visibility over its strategic resources, while integrating commercial discipline and maximising value for Congolese stakeholders. We are proud to be Gécamines SA’s partner of choice in recognition of Mercuria’s strong ethical profile and its presence in the African Copperbelt.”

A platform for future growth

The partnership is already operational and represents a significant step forward in transforming the marketing of critical minerals in the DRC. In addition to its core activities, the collaboration will explore investment opportunities in logistics infrastructure within the DRC to facilitate the efficient export of strategic raw materials. These investments aim to strengthen the country's position in global markets while unlocking additional growth potential for the partnership.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/08122025/gcamines-and-mercuria-launch-partnership-dedicated-to-copper-and-cobalt-trading-in-the-drc/