Democratic Republic of Congo has again delayed a ban on exports of copper and cobalt concentrate because it lacks enough electricity to process the minerals domestically, the mines ministry and chamber of mines said on Tuesday.
Country delays ban on copper and cobalt concentrate exports
Congo, which leads Africa in copper output and the world in cobalt production, first ordered the ban in 2013 in a bid to encourage local industry to shift production to higher-value finished metals.
An excavator is used at the bottom of Congolese state mining company Gecamines' Kamfundwa open pit copper mine January 31, 2013. REUTERS/Jonny Hogg
Recommended articles
Congo, which leads Africa in copper output and the world in cobalt production, first ordered the ban in 2013 in a bid to encourage local industry to shift production to higher-value finished metals.
But about 30 percent of the metals continue to be exported in concentrate form. This December, the government extended an exemption set to expire at the end of 2015 by one year, the vice-president responsible for mining in the Federation of Congolese Businesses, Simon Tuma-Waku, told Reuters.
"It has been extended because the problem of electricity has not been resolved yet," Tuma-Waku said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The decision has not been announced publicly yet.
Congo's industrial mines in the southeast of the country receive about half of the electricity they need to operate at full capacity, relying on expensive imports from neighbouring countries and generators to make up the difference.
Valery Mukasa, the chief of staff to Congo's mines minister, confirmed that the ban had been delayed due to power shortages.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
'Enemies of progress': Ben Bruce slams Atiku, Obi over Lagos-Calabar Highway project in viral video
House of Reps calls for truce between ASUU, University of Abuja amid strike
Entertainment executive, Artiste manager, Marjorie Fiedler to run for European Parliament
Cow crushes 2 elderly people out of nowhere — no one knows why
Nigeria’s Road to the World Cup: The journey ahead for the Super Eagles
Anambra PASAN suspends strike for 2 months as Govt addresses demands
Gowon wants Nigerian leaders to emulate Yar'Adua's transparent leadership
JAMB releases 531 more UTME results, cautions against fake score claims
Landmark’s post about being open for business after demolition mess sparks reactions
Pulse Sports
Chelsea set to offer Romelu Lukaku and cash for Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen
Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend goes viral speaking Hausa
Anthony Joshua: Nigerian-born boxer teams up with Mariah Carey, Naomi Campbell and Cuppy in France
ADVERTISEMENT
