DRC: Sulfuric Acid Shortage Threatens Copper Production

The Democratic Republic of Congo could experience a slowdown in copper production in 2026. The reason is persistent disruptions in the supply of sulfuric acid, an essential input in the processing of oxidized ores. According to an analysis by Goldman Sachs cited by Jeune Afrique, up to 125,000 tonnes of copper could be at risk if the crisis continues.

Global Market Under Pressure

Copper is currently operating in a highly tense environment, with prices hovering around 12,300 dollars per tonne. At the center of concerns is the growing scarcity of sulfuric acid, which is essential to a significant portion of global copper production.

The figures illustrate the scale of the shock: in the first quarter of 2026, global sulfur imports fell from 414,000 tonnes to 368,500 tonnes, while sulfuric acid imports dropped from 113,000 tonnes to only 29,200 tonnes.

Mining and Business Magazine Had Already Raised the Alarm

In its April issue, Mining and Business Magazine had already devoted an analysis to this issue under the title: “Conflict in the Middle East, Worsening Shortage of Strategic Metals, Sulfur Price at Its Highest Since 2008.” The magazine notably reported concerns expressed during the FT Commodities Global Summit in Lausanne.

Interviewed by Bloomberg, Mark Kristoff, CEO of Traxys Group, spoke of a “growing shortage of products” in strategic metals markets.

For his part, Graeme Train, Global Head of Metals and Minerals Analysis at Trafigura, said that a sulfur supply disruption could affect copper and nickel operators. He also revealed that Trafigura had shipped sulfur from the United States to the DRC in order to anticipate disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

China Increases the Pressure

The situation worsened after China, which accounts for nearly 45% of global sulfuric acid production, decided to suspend its exports in early May in order to prioritize its domestic market.

This move caused a sharp increase in prices, estimated at between 50% and 100% for sulfuric acid, heightening concerns over global supply chains.

Continued Heavy Dependence

In the DRC, the Kamoa-Kakula complex is developing its own sulfuric acid production in order to reduce its dependence on imports.

Despite these initiatives, dependence on imported inputs remains a major challenge for the Congolese mining sector. If the global crisis persists, it could affect export revenues from a key sector of the national economy.

Héritier Maila / Sources: Jeune Afrique, Mining and Business Magazine, and Mines.cd

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