[SMM Copper Flash] High Diesel Power Generation Costs in DRC Put SX-EW Copper Smelters Under Pressure

Published: May 7, 2026 09:36

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According to SMM's on-site survey, diesel prices in the DRC have reached above $3.2/liter. Based on the conversion rate of 1 liter of diesel generating 3 kWh of electricity, diesel power generation costs in the DRC are around $1/kWh. Combined with the sharp rise in sulphuric acid prices, this has brought enormous cost pressure to SX-EW copper smelters that need to purchase ore externally, with some smelters reporting they are operating at a loss.

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