Lobito Atlantic Railway update

The first significant shipment of copper, which is destined for the United States, has successfully departed from the Port of Lobito in Angola this week.

This shipment was loaded onto the MSC SAMU container vessel, marking a notable milestone in the ongoing export activities of the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR). This development follows a series of previous shipments of copper that have been sent to various ports in Europe and the Far East since the LAR took over the concession for the railway operations in January of this year.

The cargo, consisting of copper cathodes, arrived in Lobito on August 19, having been transported by a train operated by the Lobito Atlantic Railway from Kolwezi. This journey took just six days from dispatch to arrival, showcasing the efficiency of the newly established western route to market that is now available for transporting minerals and metals produced in the rich Congolese Copperbelt region. This route not only enhances the speed of transportation but also significantly reduces logistical challenges for exporters. Francisco Franca, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lobito Atlantic Railway, expressed his enthusiasm about this shipment. He stated, “This shipment highlights the growing supply of services provided by international shipping companies to the Port of Lobito. This development will undoubtedly support the ongoing growth and expansion of our operations, facilitating regular shipments of essential raw materials to both Europe and America.” The Lobito Atlantic Railway, which operates a railway line extending nearly 1,300 kilometers across Angola, connects the Port of Lobito to Luau in eastern Angola.

This line further links with the rail network managed by the National Railway Society of the Congo (SNCC) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reaching Kolwezi, which is considered the heart of the Copperbelt. The efficient operation of this railway is crucial for the export of copper and other minerals, as it provides a vital link between the mineral-rich regions of the DRC and international markets. In addition to the logistical advantages, the LAR consortium, which includes key players such as Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis, is also focused on enhancing the infrastructure at the Port of Lobito. This includes ongoing improvements to the mineral terminal, which recently received its first vessel call for bulk sulfur deliveries, further solidifying Lobito's role as a key export hub for minerals in Southern Africa. As the Lobito Atlantic Railway continues to develop and expand its operations, it is poised to play a significant role in the global copper supply chain, particularly as demand for copper increases in various industries, including renewable energy and electric vehicle production. The successful execution of this shipment to the United States is just the beginning of what promises to be a robust and growing trade route for Angolan and Congolese copper.