Zijin’s DRC Copper Mine Suspended Over Radiation Worries
Recent developments have led to the suspension of operations at the La Compagnie Minière de Musonoie (COMMUS) project, a key copper and cobalt mine operated by Zijin Mining Group Ltd. in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Reports indicate concerns over elevated radiation levels in the cobalt extracted from the mine.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that COMMUS has been non-operational since earlier last week. Government officials are actively involved in overseeing the suspension of production and conducting tests on cobalt shipments.
Some shipments, which were previously exported, have been blocked and returned for further assessment due to potential contamination concerns.
The presence of uranium deposits in Congo’s southeastern Katanga region adds complexity to the situation, as occasional contamination incidents occur.
Cobalt, a critical component in various industries, including electronics and electric vehicles, is primarily extracted as a byproduct of copper mining.
Last year, COMMUS contributed significantly to global cobalt and copper supplies, producing 2,200 tons of cobalt and 129,000 tons of copper.
The suspension of COMMUS operations comes at a time of disruption in the global copper market, exacerbated by unforeseen closures and production downgrades in major mines.
The temporary halt underscores the challenges faced by the mining sector, impacting production and supply chains worldwide.
Owned primarily by Zijin Mining Group Ltd., with the state-owned Gecamines holding a minority stake, COMMUS is located in Kolwezi, a prominent mining hub in Lualaba province.
Zijin also has interests in other significant mining projects in Congo, including the Kamoa-Kakula copper project operated by Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
Requests for comments from Zijin Mining Group Ltd., Congo’s Mines Minister, and Lualaba’s Mining Minister remain unanswered, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the issue. Gecamines has refrained from providing a statement, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
