Kinshasa — Mining companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Copperbelt could save about $1 billion a year by replacing expensive diesel-powered generation with imported electricity under a planned regional transmission project, according to Trafigura’s head of operations in Congo.

The proposed $300 million Kalumbila-Kolwezi Interconnector Project (KKIP) is designed to connect Zambia’s Kalumbila region with Kolwezi in Congo, allowing electricity to flow into one of Africa’s most important copper and cobalt-producing regions.

The project is being backed by Britain-supported investor Gridworks Development Partners and commodities trader Trafigura, alongside Congo’s state investment fund FIS-RDC and power trader EnPower.

Tackling a Major Constraint on Mining Growth

Power shortages have become a major obstacle to mining expansion in both Congo and Zambia, limiting production, processing and investment despite strong global demand for copper and cobalt.

Congo is the world's largest cobalt producer and Africa's leading copper producer, while Zambia ranks among the continent's largest copper producers.

The proposed interconnector would provide up to 550 megawatts of imported electricity to a mining region currently facing a power deficit of more than 1 gigawatt.

The project's total thermal capacity is expected to reach 700 MW, with the potential to expand beyond 1 GW as electricity demand increases.

"You cannot significantly expand copper and cobalt production, refining, or local beneficiation without reliable power," said Herve Otschudi, Trafigura's head in Congo.

Diesel Costs Weigh on Mining Operations

For mining companies, unreliable electricity often means turning to diesel generators to keep operations running. That comes at a significant cost, particularly in large-scale mining and processing operations that require continuous power.

Otschudi said industry studies suggest that replacing diesel generation with imported electricity could save miners approximately $1 billion annually.

The savings could improve the economics of existing mines while making new investments in copper and cobalt extraction, refining and processing more attractive.

The project is also expected to make electricity available to all mining companies in the region, rather than being limited to a single operator.

Strengthening the Copper-Cobalt Supply Chain

The transmission project forms part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure around Congo's mineral-rich Katanga region.

Trafigura said the KKIP complements its investments in the Lobito Corridor and logistics infrastructure, which are intended to improve the movement of minerals and other goods from the Copperbelt to international markets.

The combination of improved electricity supply and better transport infrastructure could reduce operating costs across the copper and cobalt supply chain.

"It's like closing the loop with the electricity," Otschudi said.

The project has already secured the necessary concessions, licences and authorisations and is now in its final development stage. The partners have not yet announced a launch date.

Critical Minerals Raise Strategic Importance

Congo's mineral resources have become increasingly important as the United States, Europe and China compete for access to critical minerals required for electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy systems and other technologies supporting the global energy transition.

Copper is particularly important because of its use in electricity networks, renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicles, while cobalt remains a key component of many battery technologies.

Reliable and affordable power could therefore play a critical role in determining whether Congo can move beyond exporting raw minerals and capture more value through local processing and beneficiation.

Source: Reuters

Reporting: Ange Adihe Kasongo, Maxwell Akalaare Adombila&Wendell Roelf

Writing: Ayen Deng Bior

Editing: Cynthia Osterman