Zambia eases ban on sulphuric acid exports to Congo as stocks recover, minister says

Zambia has cleared two copper producers to resume sulphuric acid exports to Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the country’s trade minister, as the country eased curbs on the mining input.

Smelters in Zambia – Africa’s No.2 producer of copper – generate about 2 million metric tons of sulphuric acid a year, mostly as a byproduct used by local mines. Any surplus is shipped to neighboring Congo.

In the central African copperbelt, sulphuric acid is used to extract cobalt and copper, in demand for the green energy transition, from oxide ores.

Zambia banned sulphuric acid exports in September followed by a permit policy in March after weak domestic output and global disruptions linked to the Iran war tightened the supply of leaching chemicals.

In response, miners in Congo, the world’s biggest cobalt producer and No. 2 in copper, cut usage and considered output reductions.

However, Zambia’s Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga told Reuters on Thursday that the government has authorised Chambishi Copper Smelter and Mopani Copper Mines to resume sulphuric acid shipments after local stocks recovered.

They will export a “limited quantity to ensure the local market does not suffer,” Mulenga said, without specifying volumes.

The minister said Zambia could widen export permissions if supply conditions continue to improve.

A document seen by Reuters showed the ministry has also authorised chemicals trader Alliswell Investment Limited to ship 5,000 metric tons of sulphuric acid.

An industry source, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Mopani had yet to receive its export permit.

Neither Mopani, Chambishi Copper Smelter nor Alliswell responded to requests for comment.

Congo chemicals imports declined

Congo’s imports of processing chemicals fell sharply in the first quarter, data from commodities logistics and warehousing group Access World showed.

Reuters previously reported that Mopani and Chambishi Copper Smelter plan extended maintenance shutdowns this year.

Mulenga said the resumption of exports reflected improved availability. “We allowed them to export because local stocks have risen and these companies have [miners] that they need to supply in Congo.”

Mopani will supply Glencore (LON: GLEN), while CCS will export through three Chinese mines in Congo, Mulenga added, without naming the firms.

Glencore declined to comment.

(Reporting by Chris Mfula; Writing by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Editing by Barbara Lewis)