Zambia to Reopen Key DRC Mineral Export Route After Rain Damage Disrupted Transport

Published: Mar 3, 2026 18:37

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Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure said the main corridor for the DRC’s exports of copper, cobalt, and other minerals was expected to reopen after transport was disrupted by road damage.The DRC is Africa’s largest copper producer and the world’s second-largest copper producer by production. The DRC is also the world’s leading supplier of cobalt, with cobalt production accounting for more than 70% of global production, and most cobalt is exported together with other critical battery minerals.Kasumbalesa is the busiest transit point for the DRC’s metal cargo (mainly bound for China and the US). On Sunday, traffic at the crossing was suspended after heavy rains washed away parts of the road.So far, no mining company has reported that shipments of copper or cobalt have been impeded.

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