The main export corridor used for copper, cobalt and other mineral shipments from the Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to reopen on Tuesday after road damage temporarily halted traffic, Zambia’s infrastructure minister told Reuters on Monday.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa’s largest copper producer and the world’s second-largest by output.
It is also the leading global supplier of cobalt, accounting for more than 70% of worldwide production and exporting most of it along with other key battery minerals.
Traffic through the Kasumbalesa crossing, the busiest route for Congo’s metal exports mainly headed to China and the United States, was suspended on Sunday after heavy rains washed away part of the road.
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So far, no mining company has reported disruptions to copper or cobalt shipments.
Zambia’s Infrastructure Minister, Charles Milupi, said that although the route remains closed for now, freight operators can reroute through the Mokambo crossing in Mufulira or the Sakanya border near Ndola.
However, this alternative route is nearly three times longer than the Kasumbalesa corridor.
Videos shared on social media showed trucks and pedestrians stranded along the affected route.
Major mining companies operating in Congo include CMOC, Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines, and Eurasian Resources Group.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
