Congo Copper Marketing Deal with Glencore Expands Gecamines Trading Power

Congo Copper Marketing Deal with Glencore Strengthens State Control

The Congo copper marketing deal with Glencore marks a strategic shift in African copper trading. The Democratic Republic of the Congo granted marketing rights to state miner Gecamines. The agreement covers output from Kamoto Copper Co., operated by Glencore.

Under the Congo copper marketing deal with Glencore, Gecamines can tender about half of KCC’s copper output for two years. Thereafter, it can market 30% of production. Officials signed the agreement in Cape Town last week.

Gecamines continues to expand its trading role across joint ventures. The company now seeks to sell volumes aligned with its equity stakes. As a result, the state miner strengthens control over critical mineral flows.

Congo Copper Marketing Deal with Glencore Aligns with Energy Transition Demand

The Congo copper marketing deal with Glencore arrives as copper demand accelerates globally. Congo produced 3.5 million tons of copper in 2025. The country now ranks as the world’s second-largest supplier after Chile.

Copper prices reached record highs this year. Electric vehicles, renewable energy, and data centers drive demand growth. Meanwhile, Chinese-controlled projects account for over 80% of Congo’s output.

Glencore operates KCC and Mutanda Mining among the largest Western-owned mines in Congo. KCC produced about 190,000 tons last year. The operation targets 300,000 tons annually in the longer term.

Gecamines Expands Trading Through Global Partnerships

Gecamines may channel KCC volumes through its partnership with Mercuria Energy Group Ltd.. Mercuria provides financial and logistical support for the state miner’s trading arm. This collaboration enhances Congo’s market leverage.

Gecamines also trades copper from CMOC Group Ltd.’s Tenke Fungurume mine and Sicomines. Over time, the company aims to trade 500,000 tons of copper annually. It also targets 40,000 tons of cobalt from joint venture assets.

The Congolese state holds 30% of KCC. Gecamines owns 25%, while the government holds another 5%. Portfolio Minister Julie Shiku presided over the signing ceremony.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The Congo copper marketing deal with Glencore signals a decisive move toward state-led commodity trading. Gecamines now positions itself as both producer and marketer. This strategy could reshape pricing power in African copper markets. Investors should monitor how expanded trading volumes influence regional supply dynamics and global copper premiums.