As simmering tensions especially over the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global supply chains, one of Africa's biggest exporters of copper and cobalt, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), says blockades and rerouting have delayed or canceled key shipments of industrial chemicals used in mineral processing.
The DRC is the world's largest producer of cobalt, accounting for about 70 percent of global output. The mineral is essential for making rechargeable batteries used in smart phones, laptops and electric vehicles.
But production is now being affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, since mining companies rely heavily on imported sulfur-based chemicals to extract and process minerals.
More than 3,000 tonnes of these inputs have reportedly been canceled or delayed due to disruptions in global shipping routes.
"The mining industry depends heavily on fuel and other chemical inputs required for cobalt processing, all of which are imported. Therefore, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is significantly impacting the mining industry," said mining expert Jean-Pierre Okenda.
Some mining firms have already scaled back operations due to rising transport and input costs.
Authorities say rerouted shipments through Tanzania's Dar es Salaam port have nearly doubled since the conflict began.
Meanwhile, local firms say they are now under increasing pressure.
"Our local production in the DRC and many other African countries relies on imported inputs such as chemicals and other supplies that power factories and industries. Consequently, when international market prices rise, it is reflected here at home," said economic analyst Luc Alouma Mwakobila.
As tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran continue to ripple through global markets, DRC's copper and cobalt miners are paying more for the chemicals needed to keep production running.
The logistical challenges in supplying chemicals used for processing copper and cobalt have affected the production of critical minerals.
These minerals generate much-needed revenue for the DRC economy, which has already been under strain due to conflict in the country's east.
Hormuz Strait closure disrupts supply chain of DRC's mining industry
