USTDA Funded Refinery Study for DRC Copper and Cobalt
The study evaluates a new refinery, helping mineral processors plan for future critical supply chain integration.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed an agreement to fund a pre-feasibility study for a new copper and cobalt refinery in Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Developed by Buenassa Resources, the project intends to bolster local processing capacity for essential battery minerals.
Why it matters
This project aims to strengthen connections between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Western critical mineral supply chains. By financing early-stage technical and economic assessments, the agency is facilitating the potential expansion of refined output for global buyers.
The refinery is designed for a Phase I capacity of 30,000 tonnes of copper and 5,000 tonnes of cobalt per year, with long-term expansion plans to 120,000 tonnes and 20,000 tonnes, respectively. These figures are being measured against the total initial design requirements for Buenassa Resources.
The players
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
A federal agency that facilitates infrastructure development by funding feasibility studies for projects in emerging markets.
Buenassa Resources
A mineral processing and development company focused on refining critical metals in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The details
The study conducted by Buenassa Resources assesses the technical design and economic viability of the refinery in Lualaba Province. It specifically evaluates potential feedstock suppliers to ensure a consistent supply for the production of copper cathode and contained cobalt. This pre-feasibility work serves as the foundational gate for scaling operations from the initial Phase I output to full Phase II capacity.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: USTDA and Buenassa Resources signed the funding agreement.
Market Landscape
This project follows the pattern set by international initiatives like the Minerals Security Partnership to secure diverse and sustainable critical mineral supply chains. The move reflects a broader strategic focus on increasing processing capacity outside of dominant global hubs.
Operators in the battery and electronic components sectors should monitor this project as a signal of potential new sources for refined copper and cobalt. Factoring in future processing capacity from new jurisdictions is essential for long-term procurement strategy.
The takeaway
This development signals a strategic effort to formalize and increase mineral processing capacity within the DRC. Operators should track the eventual outcome of the pre-feasibility study as a market indicator for future supply availability of copper and cobalt.
Further reading
For more on shifts in the industry, see the Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Metal.
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