Sinomine to Build Copper, Gallium, and Germanium Smelters in Africa: A Strategic Move for Resource Expansion

Sinomine

Chinese diversified mining company Sinomine Resource has announced a bold step in its global resource strategy by unveiling plans to build a copper smelter at its Kitumba mine in Zambia and a germanium/gallium recycling facility at the Tsumeb smelter in Namibia. These investments come as part of Sinomine's ongoing strategy to expand its reach in the mining sector, focusing on copper, germanium, and gallium—key strategic metals for the global market.

Sinomine’s Copper Smelter in Zambia

The first phase of Sinomine’s expansion involves a $562.9 million investment in a new copper smelter at its Kitumba mine in Zambia. The smelter will process 3.5 million tons per year of copper ore, with a production capacity of 60,000 tons per year of copper cathode. The project is set to be completed by late 2026, with a construction period of 1½ years, and will have an expected operating life of 11 years after commissioning. The smelter’s establishment aligns with Sinomine's strategy of expanding its copper resources globally, particularly in Africa, a continent rich in mineral deposits.

Sinomine took control of the Kitumba mine in March and began production in August, marking a significant milestone in its overseas copper operations. The Kitumba project complements Sinomine’s other Zambian ventures, including the commissioning of a second concentrator at the Kasisi copper and gold mine earlier in 2023. This move has significantly increased copper ore processing capacity, further bolstering Sinomine’s growing presence in Zambia.

Expansion in Namibia: Gallium and Germanium Recycling Facility

In addition to copper, Sinomine has also turned its attention to germanium and gallium, two metals that are crucial to industries such as information technology, renewable energy, and aviation. The company is investing $222 million in a multi-metal recycling facility at the Tsumeb smelter in Namibia. The facility will have an annual processing capacity of 200,000 tons and will produce 33 tons per year of zone-melting grade germanium, 11 tons per year of 99.9% industrial-grade gallium, and 10,900 tons per year of zinc. This ambitious project will be built in two phases and is expected to operate for 15 years. However, detailed launch dates are still to be disclosed.

The polymetallic slag at the Tsumeb smelter is estimated to contain substantial quantities of germanium, gallium, and other metals, including zinc and copper, making it an attractive site for advanced metal recycling and extraction. Sinomine’s investment reflects the growing global demand for germanium and gallium, both of which have seen price increases following China’s introduction of export licensing schemes in August 2023. These metals are considered critical for high-tech applications, and their strategic importance has driven companies worldwide to diversify their supply sources.

The Global Significance of Germanium and Gallium

Germanium, used extensively in industries ranging from telecommunications to clean energy, is a strategic resource that is primarily produced in China, which has been reducing its export volume. The global reserves of germanium are estimated at just 8,600 tons, according to the US Geological Survey. Gallium, which is essential for electronics and solar technology, is also in high demand. Sinomine's strategic investments in germanium and gallium facilities will position the company to capitalize on the rising global need for these critical materials, while reducing its reliance on Chinese supply chains.

Conclusion

Sinomine’s investment in copper and multi-metal recycling projects in Zambia and Namibia highlights its forward-thinking approach to securing a diverse range of valuable resources. As global demand for copper, germanium, and gallium grows, Sinomine is positioning itself as a key player in the African mining sector. With an expanding footprint across the continent, the company is set to shape the future of metal production and recycling, supporting industries from renewable energy to electronics.

Heungkong Wanji gallium smelter planned in Henan to boost semiconductor supply

Luoyang Heungkong Wanji

Heungkong Wanji gallium smelter will add 60 t per year in Henan. The plant will sit inside a 1.2mn t/yr alumina complex. Local authorities opened an environmental review on 11 June. The company has not announced a commissioning date.

China’s alumina producers are accelerating gallium projects to capture value. Prices jumped in 2022 with EV magnet demand. Export controls since August 2023 also reshaped supply strategies. Therefore, producers see strategic and commercial incentives to scale.

Capacity wave and competitive landscape

A capacity wave is building across Guizhou and beyond. Guizhou Haihao launched 50 t per year in September 2024. Guizhou Huajin added another 50 t per year last November. Guizhou Galuminium started a 40 t per year line in 2022. Guizhou Qiya is adding 20 t per year to reach 60 t. Minor metals producer Vital opened an 80 t per year plant in 2025. Together, these projects signal rising domestic supply.

Market implications and policy context

Rising capacity could pressure prices while improving availability for downstream users. However, export licensing can still influence trade flows. Integrated alumina sites reduce unit costs for gallium recovery. Therefore, the Heungkong Wanji gallium smelter may gain cost advantage. Meanwhile, global buyers seek stable sources for semiconductors and power electronics.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This project adds another pillar to China’s gallium-by-alumina strategy. Execution will hinge on recovery yields, product specs, and permitting pace. Watch how export policy interacts with a fast-rising domestic capacity base.

Sinomine Acquires Tsumeb Smelter to Boost Germanium Production

Sinomine Resource

Chinese mining giant aims to enhance its portfolio with germanium from Namibian facility

Sinomine Resource, a major Chinese mining company, has finalized the acquisition of the Tsumeb smelter in Namibia from Dundee Precious Metals. This move is part of Sinomine's strategy to expand its germanium production capabilities. The Tsumeb smelter, with an initial capacity of 260,000 tons per year for blister copper, is set to be upgraded to handle 370,000 tons per year. It is one of the few smelters equipped to process complex concentrates like high arsenic-copper concentrate.

Resource Potential and Strategic Focus

The smelter's polymetallic slags contain an estimated 2.94 million tons of ore, which includes 746 tons of germanium, 410 tons of gallium, and other significant metals. Germanium is crucial for various industries, including information and communication technology, biological science, aviation, and new energy sectors. With global germanium reserves at 8,600 tons, China has prioritized this resource as strategic.

Sinomine will conduct a feasibility study to upgrade the smelter and integrate germanium and zinc production, aiming for commercial output in the near future. The company has not provided additional details on the project's timeline.