DRC’s DGDA to Auction More Than 120 Tonnes of Minerals in Lubumbashi
DRC Customs to Auction 121.6 Tonnes of Confiscated and Abandoned Minerals in Lubumbashi
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) is preparing to auction 121.62 tonnes of abandoned and confiscated mineral products held at its public warehouse in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province.
The auction was announced in a notice signed on 18 August 2026 by DGDA Director-General Bernard Kabese Musangu.
The minerals are currently stored at the customs authority’s public warehouse at the Lubumbashi-Ville/701B customs office.
The stock consists of three main categories. The largest is 53.142 tonnes of copper concentrates, representing about 43.7% of the total volume, with copper grades of 16.37%, 8.13% and 6.13%.
The second category comprises 38.478 tonnes of copper cathodes with a purity of 99.99%, accounting for about 31.6% of the total stock.
The remaining 30 tonnes consist of zinc dust, or zinc hydroxide, with a grade of 21.525%.
The different mineral types and grades are expected to influence their valuation during the auction.
Unlike conventional mine production, these materials are already under customs control after being abandoned or confiscated and are now being prepared for commercial disposal.
The auction is expected to generate revenue for the state, with the final amount depending on the bids received and the valuation of each mineral lot.
Participation will be limited to operators holding valid authorisations to possess, transport and trade in the relevant mineral products.
Interested bidders must register with the Accountant for Expenditure at the DGDA’s Haut-Katanga Provincial Directorate between 24 August and 5 September 2026.
The DGDA has not yet provided the exact date or detailed procedures for the auction.
The sale comes as authorities in Haut-Katanga seek to improve the management and commercialisation of mineral stocks under customs control.
Converting abandoned or confiscated materials into marketable assets could also provide additional customs revenue while ensuring that the minerals re-enter the formal supply chain through an authorised process.
The auction will be closely watched by licensed mineral traders and processors given the volume of copper products involved, particularly the high-purity copper cathodes included in the stock.
