Zambia has approved the limited resumption of sulphuric acid exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo, easing months of restrictions that had disrupted mining operations across one of the world’s most critical copper and cobalt producing regions.
The decision allows two major copper producers, Chambishi Copper Smelter and Mopani Copper Mines, to restart controlled shipments of sulphuric acid into Congo, following a recovery in domestic supply levels in Zambia.
According to Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga, the move was carefully calibrated to ensure that local mining operations are not exposed to shortages while also supporting regional industrial demand. He confirmed that only limited quantities would initially be approved, with exports dependent on ongoing domestic supply conditions.
The resumption is significant because sulphuric acid plays a vital role in copper and cobalt extraction, particularly through a process known as leaching, which is widely used across the Central African Copperbelt. Without sufficient supply, mining companies face reduced efficiency and potential production cuts.
Zambia is one of Africa’s largest copper producers and generates around two million metric tonnes of sulphuric acid annually as a by product of its smelting operations. The chemical is not only essential for mining but also widely used in fertiliser production and broader industrial applications linked to global supply chains.
The restrictions introduced earlier had created significant pressure on mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and a major supplier of copper. Many operators in the region rely heavily on imported sulphuric acid from Zambia to maintain production levels.
Supply disruptions were further intensified by global trade tensions and logistical constraints affecting chemical markets, particularly amid wider geopolitical instability in energy and raw material supply chains.
Industry reports indicate that some mining companies in Congo were forced to reduce chemical usage or delay expansion plans due to shortages, raising concerns about output stability in a sector that is central to the global energy transition.
Copper and cobalt are critical materials used in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy systems and advanced electronics. As demand for clean energy technologies continues to rise globally, any disruption in their supply chains has wider implications for industrial production and pricing.
Analysts have also pointed to tightening global sulphuric acid availability, with major producers such as China reportedly restricting exports to prioritise domestic demand. This has added further strain on importing countries and mining regions reliant on external supply.
Investment experts, including analysts at Goldman Sachs, have previously warned that prolonged shortages of sulphuric acid could threaten copper production in key regions such as Congo and Chile, where leaching processes are heavily dependent on the chemical.
The reopening of exports by Zambia is therefore expected to provide temporary relief to mining firms operating across the Copperbelt, stabilising operations at a time of heightened global demand and supply uncertainty.
Officials in Zambia have indicated that export approvals may be expanded further if domestic supply conditions continue to improve, suggesting a cautious but flexible approach to balancing local industrial needs with regional economic cooperation.
The decision also highlights the interconnected nature of African mining economies, where supply chains for critical minerals and processing inputs often cross borders, making regional coordination essential for maintaining production stability.
As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, both Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to remain central players in the supply of materials essential for the world’s energy transition.
