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At this stage, no official sale price has been disclosed for Glencore’s 75% stake in the Kamoto Copper Company (KCC). However, sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that Glencore previously rejected an unsolicited offer from Orion Resource Partners, which was working in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s ADQ.
While the valuation of the asset remains private, analysts estimate that any deal involving KCC—one of the world’s largest integrated copper and cobalt operations—could be worth several billion dollars, depending on market conditions, royalty obligations, and the resolution of ongoing disputes with Congolese authorities. The mine produced 191,000 tons of copper and 27,000 tons of cobalt in 2024, underscoring its strategic importance.
Complicating the valuation is a 2.5% royalty on revenues tied to Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, who is under U.S. sanctions. Negotiations around the potential sale reportedly include efforts to resolve this royalty arrangement, which could significantly affect the final price and buyer interest.
If a formal sales process is launched, more concrete figures may emerge. For now, the deal remains in exploratory stages.
Global commodities trader Glencore (LON:GLEN) is reportedly in advanced discussions to sell its 75% controlling stake in Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), a major copper and cobalt mining operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The potential sale marks a strategic pivot for Glencore, which has long considered KCC a cornerstone of its African portfolio.
While no formal sales process has been launched, sources indicate that Glencore has held talks with several potential buyers, including Orion Resource Partners and Rio Tinto. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) may also be involved through a proposed partnership with Orion. A specific sale price has not been publicly disclosed, and insiders caution that negotiations remain fluid with no guarantee of a finalized deal.
KCC is one of the world’s largest integrated copper and cobalt producers, but has faced operational setbacks, falling cobalt prices, and regulatory disputes with Congolese authorities. Glencore’s decision to explore divestment comes amid broader efforts to streamline its portfolio and respond to investor concerns over underperformance and geopolitical risk.
The sale, if completed, could reshape Western involvement in Congo’s critical minerals sector, where Chinese and Kazakh firms currently dominate. Congo accounts for roughly 75% of global cobalt output, a key material in electric vehicle batteries and defense technologies.
At this stage, no official sale price has been disclosed for Glencore’s 75% stake in the Kamoto Copper Company (KCC). However, sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that Glencore previously rejected an unsolicited offer from Orion Resource Partners, which was working in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s ADQ.
While the valuation of the asset remains private, analysts estimate that any deal involving KCC—one of the world’s largest integrated copper and cobalt operations—could be worth several billion dollars, depending on market conditions, royalty obligations, and the resolution of ongoing disputes with Congolese authorities. The mine produced 191,000 tons of copper and 27,000 tons of cobalt in 2024, underscoring its strategic importance.
Complicating the valuation is a 2.5% royalty on revenues tied to Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, who is under U.S. sanctions. Negotiations around the potential sale reportedly include efforts to resolve this royalty arrangement, which could significantly affect the final price and buyer interest.
If a formal sales process is launched, more concrete figures may emerge. For now, the deal remains in exploratory stages.
