en.Wedoany.com Reported - Zambia's two largest copper smelters and sulfuric acid producers, Mopani and Chambishi, plan extended maintenance shutdowns later this year, a move that will further squeeze Zambia's copper output and the supply of chemicals like sulfuric acid used to process copper and cobalt. The war in Iran has disrupted global supplies of sulfuric acid and other leaching chemicals, prompting mines in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo to reduce usage or consider production cuts.

Zambia's Ministry of Mines stated that Zambian copper smelters produce approximately 2 million metric tons of sulfuric acid annually, primarily as a byproduct for local mines, with surplus exported to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The head of Canada's First Quantum Minerals in Zambia told Reuters that Zambia's own sulfuric acid stocks are severely depleted, effectively eliminating export capacity, and miners in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo are also facing tightening chemical supplies. Zambia's Ministry of Mines did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

While copper smelters typically undergo routine 30-day annual maintenance shutdowns, a chemical trade source said Mopani and Chambishi will face longer shutdowns this year. Mopani, which has not undergone maintenance for some time, plans a three-day shutdown in June, followed by an extended shutdown of about 40 to 45 days from August to mid-September. Chambishi plans a shutdown of about two months during August. Officials from Mopani and Chambishi did not respond to requests for comment, and the source requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak. Zambia tightened controls on sulfuric acid exports this month, requiring traders to obtain licenses. First Quantum Minerals' Zambia Country Director, Anthony Mukutuma, told Reuters these measures are fair but exports are unlikely in the short term.

Global copper supply is expected to tighten this year due to years of underinvestment limiting mine output growth. Zambia produced 890,346 tons of copper last year, falling short of its 1 million ton target. According to shipping data seen by Reuters, copper exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo declined in the first quarter of this year. Mopani is operating well below its 225,000 metric ton refined copper capacity due to a shortage of copper concentrate resulting from years of underinvestment. Its major owner, the UAE's International Resources Holding, is simultaneously undertaking development and mining, leading to intermittent shutdowns that further limit output.

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