Business operations

The DRC - copper and cobalt

Copper and cobalt mine in the DRC

CMOC is the second largest cobalt producer and a leading copper producer in the world. Covering an area of over 1,500 square kilometers, our Tenke Fungurume Mine (TFM) in the DRC specializes in exploration, mining, extraction, processing, and sales of copper and cobalt, boasting a complete set of techniques and processes for all stages from mining to processing. It mainly produces copper cathode and cobalt hydroxide. In 2019, 177,956 tonnes of copper and 16,098 tonnes of cobalt were produced.

Recent highlights: 

 


  • Covering a mining concession of over 1,500 square kilometers, TFM is one of the highest grade copper and cobalt mines globally with great prospects for resource exploration and development;
  • The integration of the new management revitalizes the business by bringing "Chinese efficiency and Chinese elements". TFM has been steadily improving its operations through management optimization and technological innovation;
  • Benefits from cost and efficiency programs start to show: the total cash cost decreased by US $ 130 million, of which the unit cost of mining was down 29%, the plant unit cost down 7%, and the administrative cost down 11%.
  • Advancing steadily, the 10K expansion project is expected to commission in 4Q2020. The project will allow the copper output to increase to more than 200,000 tons after a period of ramping up.