Congo’s state-owned mining giant, Gécamines, has announced a landmark purchase of 100,000 tonnes of copper from Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), the majority-owned operation of China’s CMOC. The acquisition represents 20% of TFM’s annual copper output, reflecting Gécamines’ equity stake in the mine, and marks the official launch of Gécamines Trading, the company’s new commercial arm aimed at giving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) greater control over the marketing and sale of its mineral resources.
Deliveries of the copper will be spread throughout the year, with the volumes earmarked for export to the United States market. According to Gécamines, the transaction aligns with recent cooperation agreements between the DRC and the U.S., supporting the government’s broader strategy to strengthen economic sovereignty and expand the country’s presence in global metals markets.
To facilitate the transaction, Gécamines has partnered with Swiss commodities trading group Mercuria, which will provide financial, logistical, and technical support. The collaboration is designed to build Gécamines’ commercial trading capabilities and ensure efficient execution of the deal.
For decades, Congolese copper and other metals have largely been sold through third-party intermediaries. The launch of Gécamines Trading signals a decisive shift toward direct market participation, buyer diversification, and increased value retention within the country. The company described the transaction as a milestone in implementing President Félix Tshisekedi’s vision for enhanced economic sovereignty, transparency, and governance of strategic natural resources.
Looking ahead, Gécamines plans to scale its trading operations significantly. With Mercuria’s support, the company is targeting annual trading volumes of up to 500,000 tonnes of copper and 40,000 tonnes of cobalt, positioning the DRC as an emerging global player in critical minerals. Gécamines emphasized that the initiative is not merely commercial but a strategic instrument to promote national renewal, strengthen governance, and ensure that greater value from the country’s mineral wealth benefits the Congolese people.
