Congo plans to carry out public health information activities to mitigate the impact of the epidemic on the cobalt and copper industries in the country

Published: Apr 20, 2020 10:53 (GMT+8)

SMM4, March 20-Cobalt exports of Congolese gold fell by 15 per cent in the first quarter, while copper shipments increased by 13 per cent. In response, DRC plans to launch an extensive public health information campaign for hundreds of thousands of miners (public-health information campaign), aims to mitigate the impact of the outbreak on the country's cobalt and copper industries, the proposal is contained in a seven-page report drafted by the mining sector.

Although most of the Congolese gold is produced in large mechanized mines, about 200000 people still rely on artisanal mining for a living. To stop the epidemic from spreading among artisanal miners, the local government has sent a professional team to train the artisanal miners on how to socially isolate and stop the spread of the epidemic.

Willy Kitobo Samsoni, the country's mining minister, said the implementation of the measures, combined with appropriate surveillance, would reduce the impact of the epidemic on the mining industry and further mitigate the negative impact on the country's economy.

The weakening demand for copper and cobalt could delay the commissioning of some new projects, the report said.

So far, most of the mining companies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are still operating normally, and there have been no new confirmed cases of the epidemic in the cobalt belt in the southeast.

"Click to participate in the second China (Yingtan) Copper Industry Summit and the 15th China International Copper Industry chain Summit."

"these enterprises have signed up! (with part of the list of participants)

To sign up for the summit or apply to enter the SMM industry exchange group, please scan the code:

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
14 hours ago
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Read More
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Peru's Energy and Mines Minister Guillermo Shinno said the country expects to add about 1 million tonnes of annual copper production within five to six years through new mining projects. The world's third-largest copper producer anticipates 2026 output of 2.5 to 2.7 million tonnes, roughly unchanged from 2023 as declining ore grades and recurring social conflicts weigh on supply. The newly elected government is seeking to reverse that stagnation by cutting red tape; in the two months since taking office, mining companies have stepped up engagement with the ministry. Shinno said officials have identified 27 permits that could be eliminated from roughly 100 mining-sector requirements, without lowering environmenta
14 hours ago
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
19 hours ago
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
Read More
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
Indian copper producers are seeking a GST cut to 5% from 18%, citing rising working-capital requirements amid record-high copper prices.
19 hours ago
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
23 hours ago
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Read More
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Zambia’s sulphuric acid shortage is becoming a growing constraint on copper production and refining. Jubilee Metals reported acid costs rising by more than 200% in Q4 FY2026, while Sable cathode output fell to 250 t from 361 t in Q3. Government data also showed small-scale copper production down 35.2% YoY in H1 2026, highlighting the sector’s exposure to tight acid availability and higher processing costs.
23 hours ago