DRC Copper Production Hits 3.5 Million Tonnes in 2025 Amid Global Market Volatility
DRC Copper Output Reaches 3.5M Tonnes in 2025 While International Prices Face Geopolitical Pressure
Mining companies operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo produced a total of 3,503,539 tonnes of copper in 2025, according to provisional data released by the Technical Unit for Mining Coordination and Planning under the Ministry of Mines.
The report indicates that all copper produced was sold, covering both exports and domestic pre-export processing, meaning total sales matched annual production.
Monthly Production Trends
Monthly statistics show that production peaked in July 2025 at 315,590 tonnes, followed by a slight slowdown in November.
Production and exports rebounded in December, signaling a gradual recovery heading into the new year.
Copper Prices and Market Volatility
The short-term outlook for copper prices remains uncertain. The Ministry of Foreign Trade of the DRC forecasted a slight decline in the international price of copper to USD 12,718 per tonne, down from USD 12,833 per tonne the previous week, marking a second consecutive weekly drop.
Despite this, a market rebound occurred on March 23, 2026, when prices rose following a temporary easing of geopolitical tensions.
At the London Metal Exchange, three-month copper contracts increased by 1.7%, reaching $12,132 per tonne after an earlier dip to $11,700. Traders attributed the recovery to a renewed sense of relief in the market.
Geopolitical Factors Driving Price Fluctuations
Recent price volatility has been largely driven by geopolitical uncertainties, particularly tensions in the Middle East.
Announcements by US President Donald Trump postponing potential military strikes on energy facilities in Iran helped temporarily stabilize markets.
Implications for the DRC
As Africa’s leading copper producer, the DRC remains highly exposed to international market fluctuations, which directly affect a significant portion of its export revenues.
While production remains strong, global political and economic developments continue to play a critical role in shaping the sector’s profitability and long-term outlook.
