Geneva – October 16, 2026 -- Gécamines, the Democratic Republic of Congo's state-owned mining enterprise, has finalized an offtake agreement for Kipushi zinc concentrate, with up to 240,000 tonnes to be marketed over the next two years, Mercuria announced.
Gécamines and Mercuria joint venture to market Kipushi output
Gécamines will sell the volumes through its joint venture with Mercuria. The multi-year agreement allows for potentially higher volumes after the initial two-year period and sets a strategic focus on Western supply chains.
The deal marks Gécamines' entry as a major exporter of zinc concentrate to international markets. Mercuria will contribute its global trading capabilities, logistics expertise and market access to connect Kipushi's production with international customers.
Germanium value and US stockpile financing are next on the agenda
Gécamines also aims to maximize the value of the germanium contained in the concentrate. The company plans to explore potential financing solutions through Project Vault for strategic stockpiles in the United States.
Kostas Bintas, Mercuria's Head of Metals, said the agreement expands the partnership with Gécamines and helps it capture greater value from the DRC's mineral resources while strengthening Western supply chains.