[SMM Copper Flash] Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid Procurement Relies on the Middle East in Zambia and DRC

Published: May 6, 2026 14:45

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According to SMM's on-site survey, SX-EW copper cathode accounted for approximately 70% of the combined copper production of Zambia and DRC. The sulphuric acid required for production was mainly self-supplied through captive sulphur-to-acid plants, supplemented by externally purchased by-product sulphuric acid from pyrometallurgy copper smelting enterprises. Sulphur procurement adopted a combination model of long-term contracts and spot cargo, primarily through quarterly tenders, with sources highly concentrated in the Middle East.

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