Driving the world’s global energy transition through optimum copper and cobalt production
Location: Kolwezi, Lualaba Province, DRC
Status: High-quality cobalt hydroxide and LME-grade copper cathode producer
Ownership: 90% ERG, 10% DRC State
Products: LME-grade copper cathode and cobalt hydroxide
Nameplate capacity: of ~100ktpa of copper cathode and ~23ktpa of cobalt in hydroxide
Metalkol is a world leader in the processing of legacy tailings mined by previous operators in the Kingamyambo Dam and the Musonoi Valley. Not only does Metalkol’s operations not only contribute to environmental restoration but also plays a key role in maintaining our position as one of the major copper and cobalt producers globally.
Production and facilities
Metalkol’s production facilities are designed to be highly reliable and efficient with a reduced environmental footprint.
Tailings are reclaimed from the Musonoi River valley through dredging and hydro-sluicing technology which uses high-pressure water to mobilise material with precision and minimal surface disruption. The resulting slurry is pumped to the processing plant, where dewatering optimises solids concentration before the material enters the leaching circuit. The dissolved metals are then recovered using established hydrometallurgical techniques to produce consistent, high-quality copper cathode and cobalt hydroxide.
Responsible production for a sustainable future
Metalkol is central to ERG Africa’s commitment to circular economy principles and the restoration of natural ecosystems through a unique mining model enabling environmental restoration. Metalkol operation delivers the highest levels of traceability and assurance. In 2025, this included the publishing of its fifth Clean Cobalt and Copper Performance Report and successfully completing a third RMI Responsible Minerals Assurance Process Assessment.
In 2026, Metalkol also became the first ever tailings processing operation globally to receive The Copper Mark. The Copper Mark is a leading independent assurance framework that assesses production sites against 33 ESG criteria, covering environmental management, labour practices, health and safety, governance and community engagement. This recognition reinforces our commitment to responsible and transparent operations and forms part of our continuous improvement journey.
Key environmental management initiatives
- Water management: A zero-discharge process water system is in place, with daily and weekly testing of surface and groundwater, alongside continuous tracking of potable water quality.
- Pollution management: To address pollution, Metalkol implements an Environmental Management System which is informed by ISO 14001 and includes procedures and plans related to pollution risk management including water, soils, air quality and noise.
- Waste and circularity: Our strategy prioritises our contribution to the well-being of communities in our regions of operation; this includes a focus on the safe management of our large-scale waste storage facilities, as well as responsible approaches to waste management, recycling and the promotion of a circular economy.
- Biodiversity measures: At Metalkol, the approved ESIA in 2022 includes a Biodiversity Management Plan that sets out appropriate biodiversity conservation and protection objectives. Metalkol’s efforts are focused on appropriate water stewardship, including a UNILU partnership on the aquatic preservation in 2024-25 and the previous partnership developing a nursery to identify species tolerant to tailings “pollution” which will assist with the rehabilitation process.
Uplifting the communities where we operate
- Ongoing investment in Cahier des Charges, DOT 0.3% (annual turnover fund) and payment of our social royalties (redevances minières)
- Investment areas:
- Water
- Agriculture
- Education
- Health
- Protection of human rights
- Infrastructure development
Other voluntary initiatives include but are not limited to:
- Building new boreholes and repairing existing ones to improve local water supply
- Samukonga Livelihood Restoration Project
- Conducting human rights awareness programmes, including training in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) for private security personnel.