Trafigura has already increased its foothold in nickel with an exclusive offtake agreement with Finland's Terrafame, that also produces zinc and cobalt.
BMI presents the recent changes to the DRC’s mining code as an example of a situation that challenges all the parties involved, but that is very unlikely to cloud miners’ interest in venturing in the country.
Nelson Pizarro, who took the post in 2014, has played a critical role in the drive to reduce spending and force a reduction in costs, while kicking off a major overhaul of Codelco’s aging mines to deal with dwindling ore grades.
New lab discovery uses molybdenum to solve problems of lithium sulphur batteries, doing away with nickel and cobalt for cheaper, lighter, safer technology.
The proposal, signed by companies responsible for 85% of the DRC's copper, cobalt and gold output, suggest that sliding royalties will give the government a higher share of revenues.