Geneva-headquartered commodity trader Mercuria reports Gécamines, the state-owned mining enterprise of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has finalised an offtake agreement with Kipushi.
This marks Gécamines’ entry into international markets as a major exporter of zinc concentrate.
Under the multi-year agreement, Gécamines will market up to 240,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate over the next two years through its joint venture with Mercuria.
The agreement includes potential for higher volumes in subsequent years and maintains a strategic focus on Western supply chains.
Mercuria Head of Metals Kostas Bintas says the agreement expands the company’s partnership with Gécamines, “helping it capture greater value from the DRC’s mineral resources while strengthening Western supply chains”.
Concurrent with the marketing deal, Gécamines intends to maximise the value of germanium contained within the zinc concentrate. The state enterprise reveals it also plans to explore financing solutions through Project Vault to establish strategic stockpiles in the US.
The agreement combines Gécamines’ resource position with Mercuria’s global trading capabilities, logistics expertise, and market access to deliver Kipushi’s production to international customers.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Main image: Kipushi
