Zambia approves limited sulphuric acid exports to DRC as copper smelters resume shipments
Zambia Eases Sulphuric Acid Export Ban as Copperbelt Supply Conditions Improve
Zambia has approved the resumption of limited sulphuric acid exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after easing restrictions introduced earlier this year, according to the country’s trade minister.
The decision allows two major copper producers Chambishi Copper Smelter and Mopani Copper Mines to restart shipments of the key industrial chemical used in copper and cobalt processing.
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, generates around 2 million metric tons of sulphuric acid annually as a byproduct of smelting operations.
Most of this output is consumed domestically, with surplus volumes typically exported to neighbouring DRC.
In the Central African Copperbelt, sulphuric acid is essential for leaching copper and cobalt from oxide ores metals critical for electric vehicle batteries and the broader energy transition.
Zambia imposed a ban on sulphuric acid exports in September, later shifting to a permit-based system in March due to concerns over domestic supply constraints and global chemical market disruptions.
The shortage had led some mining operations in the DRC, the world’s largest cobalt producer and a major copper supplier, to reduce acid usage and consider scaling back production.
Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga said export approvals have now been granted following an improvement in local supply conditions.
He said only limited quantities would be allowed to ensure the domestic market remains adequately supplied and added that export permissions could be expanded further if conditions continue to stabilise.
A chemicals trader has also reportedly been cleared to export 5,000 metric tons of sulphuric acid under the revised system.
However, one industry source indicated that Mopani Copper Mines had not yet received its export permit.
Neither Chambishi Copper Smelter, Mopani Copper Mines, nor Alliswell Investment Limited have publicly commented on the matter.
