Trafigura, Aurubis and Kamoa Copper complete first low‑carbon copper sale via Lobito Atlantic Railway
- Anodes produced at the Kamoa‑Kakula smelter were delivered to Trafigura’s dry port in Kolwezi for onward shipment to Europe.
- The Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) provides the shortest route from Kolwezi to an African port, reducing inland transit to seven days.
- The Kamoa‑Kakula smelter uses Metso Outotec direct‑to‑blister technology and will target up to 500,000 t/y of 99.7%‑pure copper anode once ramped up.
- LAR carried more than 200,000 tonnes in 2025; January 2026 volumes reached 30,000 tonnes and the Port of Lobito received a 50,000‑tonne bulk sulphur vessel.
Transaction and partners
Trafigura completed the first sale of low‑carbon‑intensity copper anodes produced by Kamoa Copper to Aurubis, with the material destined for Aurubis’s European refining operations.
Logistics and route
The anodes were delivered to Trafigura’s dry port facility in Kolwezi and will be transported via the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) to the Port of Lobito for shipment. LAR provides the shortest route from Kolwezi to an African port, reducing inland transit times to seven days.
Smelter and production capacity
The anodes were produced at the newly commissioned smelter at the Kamoa‑Kakula Copper Complex, which incorporates Metso Outotec direct‑to‑blister technology. Kamoa Copper operates the complex as a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining. Once ramp‑up is complete, the smelter will be capable of producing up to 500,000 tonnes per year of 99.7%‑pure copper anode, making it the largest copper smelter in Africa.
Railway throughput
In 2025 LAR transported more than 200,000 tonnes to and from the Port of Lobito; January 2026 shipments reached 30,000 tonnes and the port received a record 50,000‑tonne bulk sulphur vessel. Volumes are expected to increase as LAR establishes itself as a high‑capacity export route.
Source: trafigura.com