MMG Kinsevere Inaugurates $600 Million Cobalt Recovery Plant in the DRC
With a production capacity of 5,000 tonnes per year, MMG Kinsevere has established a new Cobalt recovery plant as part of the $600 million Expansion Project.
The mining company MMG Kinsevere, based in Upper Katanga, now boasts a new Cobalt recovery plant. This facility was inaugurated on Saturday, October 14, 2023, within the MMG site located on the Kinsevere Road in Upper Katanga, in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Antoinette N’samba, the national Minister of Mines; Claudine Ndusi, the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare; a delegation from the Chinese Embassy in the DRC; Jiqing Xu, Chairman of MMG; and Nan Wang, Executive Director of MMG, along with provincial authorities led by Governor Jacques Kyabula Katwe.
During his speech, MMG Kinsevere’s General Manager, Mr. Weiquan Xia, explained that this marks the first step in the company’s expansion project, which incurred a cost of $600 million.
“As oxide resources are depleting, to secure jobs and protect the local economy, in March 2022, MMG’s Board of Directors approved an investment of $600 million for the Kinsevere Expansion Project.
The project includes three primary processing facilities, including a concentration plant, a sulphating roasting and acid plant, and a Cobalt recovery plant,” he stated during his inaugural speech.
He further added, “These facilities, equipped with the most advanced and reliable technology from China and around the world, will allow Kinsevere to continue extracting underlying sulphide ore with the potential of satellite mines and extend the lifespan of its operations by an additional 13 years.”
Mr. Weiquan Xia also explained that the current state of the Cobalt plant is the first stage completed by the Kinsevere Expansion Project (KEP) in 14 months.
“This plant will produce 5,000 tonnes of Cobalt per year, making it one of the largest Cobalt producers in Upper Katanga. This modern plant will be operated by our highly qualified national team, supported by international experts. We have created over 100 positions for locals during the operational preparation period,” he added.
Mr. Jiqing Xu, Chairman of MMG’s Board of Directors, discussed the strengthening of cooperation between China and the DRC, demonstrated by President Félix Tshisekedi’s recent visit to China.
“In May of this year, President Félix Tshisekedi’s successful visit to China and his meeting with President Xi Jinping further solidified the ties between our two countries.
I am delighted by the wonderful meeting with the Minister of Mines and the President of Gecamines. I had the privilege of hearing the grand plan for the industrialization of the DRC,” he noted.
Regarding the industrialization plan of the DRC, China, through its experts, including those from the MMG Project, intends to play an effective role in its implementation.
“As a person from a poor country that has experienced rapid economic growth for over 40 years, I can share the sentiment that industrialization will undoubtedly bring prosperity to a country and its people. We are honored to participate and invest in this great process,” he stated.
He continued, “The DRC is one of the largest producers of critical minerals, and China is the largest producer of electric vehicles. We share the same goal in this historic transition toward clean energy.”
Before the political authorities of the DRC delivered their speeches, MMG’s Executive Managing Director also spoke. Nan Wang discussed the phase that led to the completion of the construction of MMG Kinsevere’s Cobalt plant, aimed at extending the operating life and ensuring numerous job opportunities.
“This investment will not only enable us to continue extracting mineral resources from the main and satellite mines while transitioning to sulphide ore on par with neighboring mines but also position the DRC as an integrated regional mining operation, ensuring a promising future for Kinsevere’s activities.
We are committed to sharing our successes with our communities by providing employment opportunities, investing in training and education to help them acquire valuable and transferable skills,” he stated.
Antoinette N’samba, the Minister of Mines in the DRC, present at this grand event, commended the tremendous efforts made by MMG’s management.
These efforts will have a positive impact on the development of local communities, the Upper Katanga region, and the national economy.
“The Cobalt recovery plant represents the first stage of MMG Kinsevere’s expansion project. This event is a clear expression of tremendous efforts made despite immense challenges.
Therefore, I extend warm congratulations to MMG Kinsevere’s leadership and all its staff. The development of these new Cobalt recovery facilities will increase MMG’s contribution to local development and the national economy.
I would like to remind you that the establishment of this plant aligns precisely with the strategy implemented by the Ministry of Mines to fulfill the local transformation requirements for mineral substances outlined in the mining code. It is also a significant contribution
