CMOC Secures Clean Energy to Power DRC Copper Mining Operations
China-founded CMOC (formerly China Molybdenum) has partnered with Lualaba Power to boost clean energy supply for its copper mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This renewable energy initiative aims to support the company’s energy-intensive mining and smelting activities while improving regional power stability.
The agreement, signed on May 25, involves the construction of the 200-megawatt Nzilo II hydroelectric project on the Lualaba River, downstream from the existing Nzilo I dam.
This project will leverage the river’s natural flow and integrate solar power storage, with water being pumped upstream to meet energy demands.
Lualaba Power, partially owned by the DRC’s state utility Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL), and its joint venture partner, Mining Engineering Services (MES), received legal advice from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) on the project’s development and financing. CMOC was represented by Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei (HSF Kewei), which led the transaction.
This renewable energy initiative is crucial as DRC power shortages have long hindered mining production. The project is expected to provide a sustainable energy solution, benefiting both CMOC’s operations and the region’s industries and population.
CMOC has a strong history with HSF, previously collaborating on a 2016 acquisition of interests in a DRC copper and cobalt mine.
