TFM Finalizes Major Railway Diversion to Boost Mining Operations in Fungurume

On June 25, 2025, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) officially completed the technical handover of a key infrastructure project: the nearly 4-kilometer diversion of the RR2 railway section within its mining concession.

This rerouting, fully funded by TFM, enables access to new strategic mineral deposits critical to the company’s expansion.

Initiated in 2021, the project was driven by the need to realign the existing railway operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo (SNCC), which intersected with a significant portion of the newly identified deposit.

With the approval of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, TFM moved forward with construction in line with its development roadmap.

“Due to the overlap between the old railway line and the configuration of the Fungurume deposit—and after a thorough technical assessment—we made the strategic decision to launch this diversion project,” said Zhang Dongsong, General Manager of TFM, during his opening remarks at the ceremony.

He continued, “This milestone marks not only a major technical achievement but also a critical advancement in the optimization of our mining operations and infrastructure.”

The project was overseen by a Steering Committee established by the Ministry of Transport, Communication Routes, and Accessibility.

This committee was tasked with coordinating stakeholders and ensuring full compliance with national standards and regulations.

Constant Omari, Chairman of the Steering Committee, praised TFM for its financial and technical commitment.

“My sincere thanks go to Tenke Fungurume Mining for mobilizing substantial resources—exceeding the initial budget—to see this project through to completion,” Omari stated.

Fabien Mutomb, Director General of SNCC and Vice-President of the Steering Committee, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the project’s transparency and adherence to regulations.

“We have consistently monitored the progress with all involved parties. The procedures have been followed meticulously in all technical and administrative aspects,” said Mutomb.

Following successful dynamic testing conducted in April 2025 under the committee’s supervision, the project was deemed technically sound.

The handover ceremony concluded with the official signing of the Final Acceptance Report and the issuance of a certificate of satisfactory execution.

Beyond improving operational efficiency, the railway diversion is expected to deliver wide-ranging socio-economic benefits.

According to Zhang Dongsong, the project will contribute significantly to local community development and increase tax revenues at the national level.

The ceremony was attended by several key figures, including:

Constant Omari – Chairman of the Steering Committee

Fabien Mutomb – Director General of SNCC and Vice-Chair of the Committee

Pierre Kabusongi – President of the Board of Directors at Gazebo, the project manager

This milestone reinforces TFM’s commitment to responsible mining and infrastructure development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.