Zambia resumes sulphuric acid exports to DR Congo as copper and cobalt demand rises

Zambia has authorised two major copper producers to resume limited sulphuric acid exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), easing restrictions that had strained mining operations in one of the world’s most important battery mineral regions.

• Zambia has approved limited sulphuric acid exports to DR Congo after months of restrictions.
• The move could ease pressure on copper and cobalt miners facing chemical shortages.
• Supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions and global trade restrictions had tightened the market.
• Copper and cobalt remain critical minerals for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.

The decision comes after Zambia’s domestic sulphuric acid inventories recovered following months of shortages that disrupted supplies across the Central African copperbelt.

Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga told Reuters that the government had cleared Chambishi Copper Smelter and Mopani Copper Mines to restart shipments to Congo while ensuring Zambia’s local mining sector does not face fresh shortages.

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“We allowed them to export because local stocks have risen,” Mr Mulenga said, adding that only limited quantities would initially be approved.

Documents also showed that chemical trader Alliswell Investment Limited received authorisation to export 5,000 metric tonnes of sulphuric acid.

Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, generates around two million metric tonnes of sulphuric acid annually, mainly as a by-product of copper smelting.

The chemical is essential for extracting copper and cobalt from oxide ores through a process known as leaching.

The reopening of exports is significant for the DRC, the world’s largest cobalt producer and second-largest copper producer, where mining companies rely heavily on imported sulphuric acid to sustain production.

The restrictions imposed by Zambia last September had worsened pressure on Congolese miners already battling global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East and tighter international sulphur markets.

Earlier this year, several copper and cobalt producers in Congo were forced to reduce chemical usage and consider cutting output after suppliers cancelled or delayed shipments of leaching chemicals.

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The sulphuric acid market has become increasingly strategic globally because the chemical is critical not only for mining but also for fertiliser production and battery supply chains tied to electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure.

Supply concerns intensified further after China, one of the world’s largest sulphuric acid exporters, moved to tighten exports to protect domestic supply.

Analysts warned that the restrictions could worsen shortages in major mining regions, including Africa and South America.

Investment bank Goldman Sachs recently warned that prolonged sulphuric acid shortages could threaten global copper production, especially in Congo and Chile, both of which depend heavily on leaching operations.

The latest move by Zambia is therefore expected to provide temporary relief to mining companies operating across the copperbelt, a region that has become increasingly important to global supply chains as countries race to secure minerals needed for the energy transition.

Mr Mulenga said Zambia could expand export approvals further if domestic supply conditions continue to improve.

Mopani is expected to supply commodities giant Glencore, while Chambishi Copper Smelter will export through Chinese-owned mining operations in Congo.