• Mineral processing firm Buenassa in the DRC is developing the country’s first integrated copper and cobalt refinery.
  • In Mali, Russia’s Yadran Group and a Swiss investor are collaborating with the government in a deal to process up to 200 tonnes of gold per year.
  • In Angola, a $5M plant, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, will produce 50 kgs of gold per day.

Mineral-rich African nations are fast-tracking the development of refineries and processing plants in a bid to reduce raw exports, boost local beneficiation, and capture greater value from their mineral wealth.

This continent-wide shift toward value-added industrialization will take center stage at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) — the region’s leading platform for mining stakeholders.

Held under the theme “From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth,” AMW will spotlight Africa’s downstream mining ambitions and connect local players with global investors to accelerate industrial transformation across the sector.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) turns into mineral processing hub

In June 2025, mining firm Buenassa signed an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government to develop the country’s first integrated copper and cobalt refinery.

Under the agreement, the DRC government will hold a 10 percent golden-share in the project. Backed by a $3.5 million grant awarded in 2024, the refinery is expected to commence operations in 2027, with a projected annual output of 30,000 tonnes of copper cathode and 5,000 tonnes of cobalt sulfate.

Mali

In Mali – Africa’s second-largest gold producer – construction began in June 2025 on a new gold refinery in Senou, near Bamako. The project – a collaboration between Mali’s government, Russia’s Yadran Group and a Swiss investor – aims to process up to 200 tonnes of gold annually.

The refinery will enhance regional gold processing, reduce smuggling and increase national revenue from value-added gold exports. The Ministerial Forum to be held at AMW will spotlight national policies and incentives accelerating beneficiation across the continent.

Angola

Meanwhile, Angola reached a 70 per cent completion milestone on its first gold refinery in Luanda. The $5 million facility, expected to be operational by the end of 2025, will produce 50 kgs of gold per day. Part of the country’s 2023 – 2027 Sectoral Development Plan, the project reflects Angola’s strategic effort to diversify beyond oil, stimulate job creation and expand value-added exports.

AMW’s Invest in Angola session will showcase opportunities within Angola’s growing mining and refining value chain.

Zambia

In Zambia, Canada’s Jubilee Metals is expanding its Sable Copper Refinery by adding a second tank-house to boost monthly processing capacity to between 500 and 550 tonnes. The upgrade supports Zambia’s broader goal of reaching 3.1 million tons in annual copper output by 2031 while shifting toward value-added production. The project is set to be completed by Q1 2026.

AMW will feature this and similar initiatives during a dedicated panel titled Elevating Africa’s Mineral Wealth: Case Studies in Local Beneficiation – Value Addition and Industrialization.

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