EGC and Trafigura ship copper and cobalt to global markets via the Lobito Atlantic Railway
Geneva, 9 February 2026 – Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (“EGC”) and Trafigura have agreed the first delivery of copper and cobalt to global markets via the Lobito Atlantic Railway (“LAR”), marking a key milestone in the development of a fast and efficient mineral supply chain from the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”).
The use of LAR highlights the strategic importance of the railway in connecting the DRC’s mineral resources to customers worldwide.
The Lobito Atlantic Railway comprises a 1,300-kilometre rail line linking the deep-water port of Lobito on Angola’s Atlantic coast to the DRC border at Luau, with a further 450-kilometre extension to Kolwezi in the heart of the DRC’s Copperbelt. The railway provides the shortest route from Kolwezi to an African port, reducing inland transit times to approximately seven days.
“This agreement demonstrates that progress toward ethical, traceable and transparent sourcing of artisanal cobalt and copper at scale is both achievable and sustainable, to the greater prosperity of the Congolese people, thanks to bold reforms led by ARECOMS and the Congolese government through the Ministry of Mines. We are delighted that the copper shipment will be sent initially to customers in the U.S., marking the concrete materialisation of the U.S.-DRC strategic partnership agreement, as envisioned by the Congolese government, with the support of Gécamines and FOMIN,” said Eric Kalala, Chief Executive Officer of EGC.
“We are delighted to be working with EGC to facilitate responsibly sourced shipments of copper and cobalt to global markets via the most efficient transport route from the DRC Copperbelt. This underscores the importance of strong producer–trader partnerships in building resilience across the global supply of critical metals and minerals,” said Franck Rogozin, Head of Metals and Minerals, Africa, at Trafigura.
“LAR is a true regional asset, open to all users, and a catalyst for positioning Angola and the DRC as key players in providing the metals and minerals needed for decarbonisation, digitisation, and industrialisation,” said Nicholas Fournier, Chief Executive Officer of LAR.
Owned solely by its shareholders, Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis, LAR has recently secured USD753 million in debt financing from the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to support the continued rehabilitation and expansion of the railway.
Under an existing agreement, Trafigura markets cobalt supplied by EGC — the state-owned entity mandated to purchase cobalt from artisanal producers in the DRC.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Trafigura’s Press Office: +41 (0) 22 592 4528 or media@trafigura.com
About Trafigura
Trafigura is a leading commodities group, owned by its employees and founded over 30 years ago. At the heart of global supply, Trafigura connects vital resources to power and build the world. We deploy infrastructure, market expertise and our worldwide logistics network to move oil and petroleum products, metals and minerals, gas and power from where they are produced to where they are needed, forming strong relationships that make supply chains more efficient, secure and sustainable. We invest in renewable energy projects and technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including through MorGen Energy and joint venture Nala Renewables.
The Trafigura Group also comprises industrial assets and operating businesses including multi-metals producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, the Impala Terminals joint venture and Greenergy, supplier and distributor of transportation fuels and biofuels. The Group employs approximately 14,500 people, of which over 1,400 are shareholders, and operates in over 150 countries.
Visit: www.trafigura.com
About Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC)
Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC), a subsidiary of Gécamines, was established in 2019 by decree of the Congolese State. It holds the exclusive mandate to purchase, process, and commercialize strategic minerals sourced through artisanal mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which includes cobalt, coltan, and germanium.
In this role, EGC works to strengthen compliance with high standards of social responsibility, environmental protection, and traceability, supporting the progressive development of a sustainable and ethical mining model aligned with international market expectations.
Visit: www.egcobalt.cd
About Lobito Atlantic Railway
The Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) is an Angolan rail operator with an independent, highly experienced management team specialising in railway infrastructure. Under a 30-year concession, LAR is responsible for modernising, maintaining, and operating the 1,300 km railway line that connects the Port of Lobito to Luau on Angola’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the dedicated minerals terminal at the port.
LAR also has a track access agreement with the state-owned Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC), the DRC’s state-owned rail company, to operate and upgrade the 450 km section between Luau and Kolwezi. This collaboration includes supporting infrastructure rehabilitation.
Visit: www.lobitoatlantic.com