ERG’s Metalkol Copper-Cobalt Project Hit Again by Illegal Mining, About 700 Tonnes of Tailings Removed Daily

Published: Sep 10, 2026 11:55

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According to overseas media reports on September 9, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) said its Metalkol copper-cobalt project near Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo has once again been occupied by illegal miners since August 21, with armed individuals and unauthorized miners reported at the site. ERG estimates that around 700 tonnes of tailings are currently being excavated and transported away by truck each day, with some of the material reportedly sent to nearby processing facilities.

Due to security risks, Metalkol is currently unable to access parts of the affected area. ERG said a similar incident occurred earlier this year and was subsequently brought under control, making the latest occupation a renewed disruption. Metalkol holds rights to reprocess more than 100 million tonnes of historical tailings and is one of the DRC’s key copper-cobalt projects. Congolese mining authorities are aware of the situation and said measures are being taken to seek a long-term solution. If the disruption continues, it could affect control over the project’s tailings resources, normal operations and future cobalt production plans.

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