Metalkol RTR - ERG Africa

Overview

La Compagnie de Traitement des Rejets de Kingamyambo SA avec Conseil d’Administration (Metalkol SA or Metalkol)

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 delivers the highest levels of traceability and assurance. In 2025, this included the publishing of its fifth Clean Cobalt and Copper Performance Report and the successful completion of a fourth Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) Assessment by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). Metalkol’s alignment with the RMI Standards has been independently evaluated and verified, and we are publicly listed on the RMI Cobalt Refiners List.

RMAP is a flagship programme of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) which verifies the responsible sourcing of minerals and aims to deliver increased value chain assurance. The RMI is one of the most utilised and respected sources for companies from a range of industries addressing issues related to responsible sourcing in their supply chains.

In December 2025, RMI has re-confirmed again that Metalkol was conformant with the Assessment Standard for Joint Due Diligence Standard for Copper, Lead, Nickel and Zinc (2021) and Cobalt (2018). The comprehensive assessment consisted of a number of elements including the collection and review of objective evidence such as interviews with employees and the senior management, documentation, a facility walk-through, and other observation.

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.

Working at Metalkol

Metalkol’s human resources policy prioritises local recruitment, talent development, knowledge transfer and succession planning. We aim to provide a safe and professional working environment where employees can develop their skills and contribute to the company’s operations and success.

Our Workforce

In 2025, Metalkol’s total headcount stood at 1,585* employees, 96% of whom are Congolese nationals. Women represented 10% of the workforce. Metalkol continues to strengthen the presence of women within its workforce, particularly in technical roles and positions of responsibility, by creating opportunities and expanding access across the full spectrum of functions within the industry. Our People Strategy is aimed at developing a resilient and innovative workforce to support the long-term sustainability of our business.
*Excluding contractors

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Metalkol is committed to maintaining transparent and constructive labour relations in compliance with the regulatory and labour frameworks of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The company recognises and fully respects employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Employees are represented by trade unions in accordance with applicable labour legislation, where 98% of employees are unionised and regular dialogue is maintained between management and union representatives. Meetings are held on a quarterly basis and, when required, to address specific matters.
Employment conditions, remuneration and benefits are established in accordance with applicable labour laws and the collective agreement in place. Metalkol offers competitive remuneration in line with collective agreements and legislative requirements.
In addition, permanent Congolese employees benefit from a range of social provisions, including housing support, transport allowances, school fee assistance and family-related benefits mainly.

Health and Well-Being

The health and well-being of our employees and their families is supported through a range of initiatives and access to dedicated medical services. Metalkol works with partner clinics in Kolwezi, Likasi and Lubumbashi to provide healthcare services to employees and their dependents, including medical consultations, basic medication and referrals to specialist care.
These clinics offer a wide range of services, including emergency and paediatric care, antenatal services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing and pharmacy services. For immediate medical needs, an onsite clinic is available to employees and contractors’s occupational health, supported by an onsite laboratory providing diagnostic and pathology services.

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.

Climate action or decarbonisation efforts

To mitigate carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) emission, Metalkol has optimised the mining methodology of load and haul stockpile to dredge mining, has improved maintenance and operational efficiencies, and the diesel generated powerhouse was optimised with the contractor to reduce emissions by 20%. The power procurement with SNEL has also been expanded in scope to increase hydro-electric power supply. Metalkol has also partnered with a third party to deliver an AI-solution used by the United Nations, to reduce the site carbon footprint over the life cycle of our products. The solution will aim to deliver a comprehensive integrated climate change reporting, mitigation and adaptation strategy and plan. Metalkol also works with its customers on climate to gain and share insights on decarbonisation plans, as well as identify projects that could accelerate sustainability performance of the common value chain.

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
Conducting human rights awareness programmes, including training in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) for private security personnel.