EGC & Trafigura Ship DRC Copper Cobalt via Lobito Rail | Mariner News
In a landmark development for global mineral supply chains, Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) and Trafigura have successfully completed the inaugural shipment of copper and cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to international markets using the Lobito Atlantic Railway. This pivotal agreement marks a significant step in establishing a more efficient and reliable logistics corridor for critical minerals, enhancing the connection between the DRC’s rich Copperbelt region and worldwide customers. The strategic deployment of the Lobito Atlantic Railway underscores its growing importance in facilitating bulk commodity exports.
Revolutionizing DRC Mineral Exports
The Lobito Atlantic Railway spans an impressive 1,300 kilometers, linking Angola’s deep-water port of Lobito on the Atlantic coast directly to the DRC border at Luau. An additional 450-kilometer extension reaches Kolwezi, situated at the heart of the DRC’s vital Copperbelt. This extensive rail network offers the shortest and most direct route for mineral resources from Kolwezi to an African port, drastically reducing inland transit times to approximately seven days. Such operational efficiency is set to transform the export capabilities of Congolese mines, ensuring faster delivery to international buyers.
Ethical Sourcing and Global Supply Chains
This new rail route is not merely about speed; it also supports progress toward ethical, traceable, and transparent sourcing of artisanal cobalt and copper at scale. As stated by EGC and Trafigura, this collaboration demonstrates that sustainable practices are achievable. The enhanced connectivity provided by the Lobito Atlantic Railway is crucial for global supply chain resilience, ensuring a steady flow of essential industrial metals. Ultimately, this infrastructure project promises greater prosperity for the Congolese people while strengthening global access to responsibly sourced minerals.
