[SMM Flash] Zambia Approved Two Copper Producers to Resume Sulphuric Acid Exports to DRC

Published: May 15, 2026 10:33

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Zambia banned sulphuric acid exports in September 2025 and subsequently implemented a licensing policy in March this year.

Zambia's Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga told Reuters on Thursday that the government had authorized Chambishi copper smelter and Mopani copper mine to resume sulphuric acid shipments after local inventory had been replenished.

Mulenga also said Zambia could expand export licenses if supply conditions continued to improve.

Documents seen by Reuters showed that the Ministry of National Defense also authorized chemical trader Alliswell Investment Limited to ship 5,000 mt of sulphuric acid.

An industry source said Mopani had not yet received an export license.

Mopani, Chambishi, and Alliswell did not respond to requests for comment.

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