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Tenke Fungurume Mine

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Industrial site
—°1
Tenke Fungurume Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)

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The Tenke Fungurume Mine, located in the Lualaba Province, is one of the world's largest and most significant copper and cobalt deposits. The massive mining concession covers approximately 1,600 square kilometers and is operated by Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), with China's CMOC Group Ltd. holding the majority stake. Since commercial production commenced in 2009, the mine has been a leading global supplier of cobalt, a critical mineral for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. The operation utilizes extensive open-pit mining techniques and state-of-the-art hydrometallurgical facilities for on-site ore processing. Beyond its immense contribution to the DRC’s national revenue, the project is a vital source of employment and regional development. Substantial investments have been made into local infrastructure, healthcare, and education to benefit the communities of Tenke and Fungurume. Despite its industrial success, the mine frequently features in international economic discussions regarding royalty disputes and mineral export regulations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212121212018182124252321
Rain mm205151160674001856158232

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Tenke Fungurume Mine is among the largest copper and cobalt mines globally, located in Lualaba Province. It serves as a cornerstone for regional economic development and supplies critical minerals for global battery and electronics industries.
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Visiting
The mine is an active industrial site with restricted access; visitor entry typically requires prior authorization from the operating company. From public roads near the perimeter, one can observe large-scale open-pit operations and haul trucks moving crushed ore.
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Where to view it
The best public viewpoints are along the national road that passes near the mine, offering distant vistas of the terraced open pits. Additionally, hilltops in the surrounding area provide panoramic overviews of the entire mining complex, though these may be on private land.
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Local products
Travelers in the region may encounter copper cathodes and cobalt hydroxide, the mine's primary products, being transported by truck convoys. Local markets around Fungurume sell handcrafted copper jewelry and small cobalt blue glass items as souvenirs.
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Active season
Mining operations run year-round, but peak extraction often coincides with the dry season (May to October) when road transport is most reliable. The global cobalt market cycles can also influence production activity, with higher output during periods of strong demand.
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Nearby
Combine a visit to the mine with a trip to the nearby town of Fungurume to experience local Congolese culture and markets. The larger city of Likasi, with its mining heritage and rail connections, is about 100 km away and has additional industrial tourism opportunities.

Geography

Coordinates
-10.55000, 26.18330

Facts

  • The mine holds one of the world's largest high-grade cobalt reserves.
  • CMOC Group acquired its majority stake from Freeport-McMoRan in 2016.
  • Annual copper production exceeds 200,000 metric tonnes.
  • Over 10 billion USD has been invested in the project since its inception.
  • The site features a large-scale on-site hydrometallurgical plant.
  • TFM is a major contributor to the DRC's tax and royalty revenue.

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Shinkolobwe Uranium MineShinkolobwe Uranium Mine64 km · NWExplore →
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Sights in the town Tenke Fungurume Mine (1)

TFM Logo🏺 historical

The TFM Logo is a prominent industrial monument representing the large-scale Tenke Fungurume mining operations.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tenke-Fungurume Mine?
It is one of the world's largest copper and cobalt deposits, located in the Lualaba province.
Can the mine be visited?
No, it is a secured industrial site; only authorized personnel have access.
What role does the mine play for the region?
It is a massive employer and contributes significantly to the DRC's export volume.
Who operates the Tenke-Fungurume Mine?
It is majority-operated by China Molybdenum Company (CMOC).
What is located near the mine?
The twin towns of Tenke and Fungurume house the workers and supporting infrastructure.
Tenke Fungurume Mine: where is it located?
Tenke Fungurume Mine is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Tenke Fungurume Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul, Aug.
Tenke Fungurume Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Tenke Fungurume Mine, located in the Lualaba Province, is one of the world's largest and most significant copper and cobalt deposits.
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Nearby cities

Kolwezi — Tenke Fungurume Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kolwezi
Kolwezi is the capital of Lualaba Province and a global center for the extraction of cobalt and copper minerals.
Fungurume — Tenke Fungurume Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Fungurume
Fungurume is a mining town in Lualaba Province, central to the Tenke Fungurume mining operations, one of the world's largest.
Mutshatsha — Tenke Fungurume Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Mutshatsha
Mutshatsha is a town in Lualaba Province, serving as an important administrative and railway station on the Benguela railway.
Kambove — Tenke Fungurume Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kambove
Kambove is a historical mining town in Haut-Katanga province.
Likasi — Tenke Fungurume Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Likasi
Likasi is a major industrial city in the Upper Katanga Province, significantly involved in the processing of minerals.

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