The Gold Report

Deadly Mine Collapse in the DRC to Have Repercussions

Common Stock Warrants, The Gold Report /

Source: Streetwise Reports 06/29/2019 The potential effects of the event on the copper market and the project’s major joint venture partner are outlined in a BMO Capital Markets report. In a June 27 research note, BMO Capital Markets analyst Ed Sterck wrote that the fatal mine collapse from suspected illegal mining at the KOV open pit at the Kamoto Copper concession in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will impact Glencore International Plc (GLEN:LSE) and the copper market. News reports indicated at least 36 people died in the accident. Kamoto is a partner with Glencore in the Katanga joint venture, Glencore holding a majority 64.75% interest. Katanga accounts for about 14% of Glencore’s net present value. The joint venture is projected to produce 269,000 tons of copper and about 24,000 tons cobalt in 2019. Although uncertain, the KOV mine is thought to supply about two-thirds of the ore processed at Katanga. Sterck purported that if the mine collapse was related to illegal mining then it could impact production there but only short term after an investigative period. However, “preventative action will likely be needed, and it could impact Glencore’s social license to operate.” More certain, the analyst pointed out, is the effect the event will have on the copper market, already suffering this year. “We see the market as very sensitive to further supply disruptions such as this.” Due to rainfall in South America’s Atacama Desert, cuts in Zambia and the ongoing strike at Chuquicamata in Chile, the annualized rate … Continue reading →

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