DRC cobalt export hit by border closures

A key trucking route for copper and cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been paralysed due the border crossing between Zambia and Tanzania at Nakonde Border Post to all but essential goods in an effort to curb an increase in Covid-19 cases in the area.

DRC copper and cobalt had been shipped out of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, since the lockdown in South Africa paralyzed operations at the port of Durban in late March and April.

Zambia Revenue Authority temporarily closed the Zambia-Tanzania border crossing on 11May after 76 new cases of Covid-19 were had occurred in Nakonde.

Health screening, disinfection of border administrative centre buildings and further measures will implemented before the crossing is reopened for DRC metals and other goods, the ZRA statement said.