The Largest Copper Exporter in Africa

Copper is emerging as one of the world's most strategic commodities due to surging demand from electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), AI data centres and grid modernization. EV’s use roughly 2.9 times more copper than internal combustion vehicles, while solar, wind, and expanded transmission infrastructure are highly copper-intensive. Global demand is projected to rise by 50% by 2040 outpacing supply and elevating copper's role in the energy transition and economic security.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are key African producers. The DRC ranks as the world's second-largest copper producer (after Chile), with output around 3.3–3.5 million mt in recent years. Major operations include the world-class Kamoa-Kakula complex (JV between Ivanhoe Mines (Canada)/Zijin Mining (China) located in the Central Africa Copper Belt; 400 000–600 000 mtpa (metric ton per annum) capacity, with a new 500 000 mtpa direct-to-blister smelter - Africa's largest, and Tenke Fungurume (CMOC; 400 000 mtpa copper capacity). This stems from vast deposits identified in the Katanga Copper belt and major, amongst other investors, Chinese investors.

Zambia, historically the top producer in Africa, ranks around 7th–8th globally, producing 0.8–0.9 million mtpa (targeting >1 million mtpa soon and 3 million mtpa by 2031). This is due to infrastructure and energy issues that have slowed down growth. Key mines include Kansanshi, (First Quantum; expanding toward 250 000 mtpa) and others like Sentinel, Lumwana, and Konkola. Smelters include Kansanshi (300 ktpa), Mopani (225 000 mtpa), and Chambishi (250 000 mtpa). Zambia and the DRC, shares the same Copper belt.

Other African nations contribute modestly: South Africa, Morocco, Eritrea, Botswana, and Namibia produce tens of thousands of tons each, focusing on by-products or smaller operations.

Primary Producers are South Africa’s Palabora mine, the country’s primary refined copper producer (15 000mtpa-28 000 mtpa Cu), yields significant by-products including magnetite, vermiculite, nickel sulphate, sulphuric acid, and anode slimes containing precious metals. Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt hosts operations like Khoemacau, where copper pairs with notable silver by-production.