DRC Copper Exports Rise to 1.72 Million Tonnes in First Half of 2026
DRC Copper Exports Reach 1.72 Million Tonnes in First Half of 2026 as Output Growth Continues
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) exported about 1.72-million tonnes of copper in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading copper producers and highlighting the continued expansion of its mining sector.
The country exported 1,724,217 tonnes of copper between January and June 2026, according to data from the DRC’s mining authorities.
The performance represents continued growth from the previous year as major mining operations maintain high production levels and expand their capacity.
The increase further strengthens the DRC’s position as the world’s second-largest copper producer after Chile.
The country overtook Peru as global copper output continued to rise, driven largely by the expansion of large-scale operations in the Copperbelt.
The DRC produced about 3.49-million tonnes of copper in 2025, marking a significant increase in output compared with previous years.
The country’s growing production has made it an increasingly important supplier to international markets, particularly as demand for copper accelerates.
Copper is considered critical to the global energy transition because of its use in electricity grids, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, data centres and other infrastructure. Rising demand has increased the strategic importance of major producing countries such as the DRC, Chile and Peru.
The DRC’s production growth has been supported by several major mining operations, particularly in the provinces of Lualaba and Haut-Katanga.
Investments in mine expansions, processing capacity and infrastructure have helped companies increase output and improve operational efficiency.
The country is also seeking to capture more value from its mineral resources by encouraging greater domestic processing and refining.
This forms part of broader efforts by the government to increase state revenues, create employment and strengthen the contribution of mining to the wider economy.
However, the rapid expansion of copper production also places greater pressure on transport, energy and other supporting infrastructure.
Efficient logistics remain particularly important as increasing volumes of copper need to be moved from mining regions to export markets.
The DRC is simultaneously seeking to diversify its export markets and strengthen its position in the global critical minerals supply chain. Its copper and cobalt resources have attracted growing interest from international governments and companies seeking secure supplies of minerals essential to electrification and advanced technologies.
The country’s rising output is expected to keep the DRC firmly at the centre of global copper markets, particularly if planned mine expansions and new projects come on stream as expected.
With copper demand forecast to remain strong over the longer term, the DRC’s ability to sustain production growth while improving infrastructure, governance and domestic processing will be critical to maximising the economic benefits of its expanding copper industry.
