Gécamines Exports Germanium Concentrate for the First Time

The Société générale des carrières et des mines (Gécamines) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently exported germanium concentrate to Belgium, marking the first time this precious metal has left the DRC in this form. The shipment is destined for Umicore's Hoboken plant in Antwerp, a development reported by several Congolese media outlets.

This significant export results from an agreement signed last May between Belgian company Umicore and Société du terril de Lubumbashi (STL), a subsidiary of Gécamines, for the processing of germanium extracted from the Big Hill tailings site in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga. Through this partnership, STL has benefited from on-site support provided by Umicore. According to STL Managing Director Grant Dempsey, "Our agents are making rapid progress and saving precious time in mastering the various techniques involved in germanium production."

Germanium is a rare mineral used in the manufacture of a wide range of advanced technologies, including telephones, rockets, drones, weapons, and solar panels. Historically, STL's germanium entered the market through third-party refiners located outside the DRC. The move to locally process germanium forms part of President Félix Tshisekedi's broader strategy to reform the mining sector, a reform that involves significant investment but from which the Congolese government aims to reap substantial benefits.

Local processing of germanium has increased its selling price by fivefold. The transition from raw ore to the concentrate exported this month required an investment of over $70 million, with 50% of funding coming from Gécamines and the remainder provided by local banks. This development is expected to significantly enhance the DRC's mining revenues, which are projected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2025, with the mining sector accounting for about 30% of public revenues.