Two multinational corporations, Trafigura based in Singapore and Ivanhoe Mines from Canada, have inked a significant agreement aimed at exporting copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo via a railway network.
The railway, stretching to the Angolan port of Lobito, has received partial funding from the United States, signaling efforts to compete with China for mineral access.
Originally constructed during the colonial era, the railway reopened in 2015 following the conclusion of Angola’s civil war. Despite its revival, the transportation route has faced challenges in attracting significant traffic.
The demand for copper on a global scale continues to surge, driven by its essential role in the production of solar panels and electronic devices.