Mercuria Energy Trading has launched a joint venture with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state miner, Gécamines, to market the copper and cobalt Gécamines receives from its equity stakes in local mines. This partnership could handle over 500,000 tons of copper cathodes each year, transforming how these critical resources reach the market. The deal, unveiled alongside a US-brokered peace accord between Congo and Rwanda, could give American buyers first access to the metals as Washington eyes supply security amid tariff-driven disruptions. With copper prices at record highs, the venture strengthens Mercuria’s rapid rise in global metals trading and deepens its foothold in Africa’s copperbelt region. Backed by $1 billion in financing and operational support, the partnership also boosts Gécamines’ role in pricing and directing the DRC’s expanding production.
Bloomberg
