Zijin Mining Group (HKEX:2899) has suspended processing at its Bisha copper-zinc mine in Eritrea after a regional fuel shortage disrupted operations.
Processing at Bisha has been halted since last week, with Zijin bringing forward maintenance originally scheduled for the end of the year, Bloomberg reported.
Fuel supplies have since stabilised, although Zijin has not provided a firm timetable for processing to resume, according to Shanghai Metals Market (SMM).
Some customers have been told the stoppage could last around four weeks, potentially delaying shipments of copper and zinc concentrate, SMM reported.
The disruption comes as Bisha remains a significant contributor to Zijin’s zinc portfolio. The operation produced 34,280 tonnes of zinc during the first half of 2026.
In 2025, Bisha produced around 83,000 tonnes of zinc and 23,000 tonnes of copper, alongside silver output.
SMM forecasts Eritrea to produce around 30,000 tonnes of contained copper in concentrate during 2026, with Bisha’s restart among the factors affecting the country’s near-term output outlook.
Zijin owns 55% of the Bisha operation, while the Eritrean National Mining (ENAMCO) holds the remaining 45%.
Located in Eritrea’s Gash-Barka region, Bisha uses open-pit and underground mining and flotation processing. Zijin Mining acquired its interest in the operation in 2019.
The company has also been expanding the mine, with ore extraction beginning at the Hambok open pit and production starting at the Asheli underground mine in 2025. Preparatory work is also underway for the Harena underground mine.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: Zijin Mining
