Tenke Mine
Tenke-Fungurume area, Lualaba, DR Congo
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Tenke Mine is in the Tenke-Fungurume area, Lualaba, DR Congo, about 180 km northwest of Lubumbashi.
It primarily produces copper and cobalt, with rare minerals like gerhardtite and paramelaconite.
The deposit is a reduced facies type, hosted in sedimentary rocks with organic-rich shales and sandstones.
Mining started around 1900, with production beginning in 2009, and is now owned by China Molybdenum (80%) and Gecamines (20%).
Local communities Tenke and Fungurume are impacted, with the mine employing over 8,000 Congolese.
The climate is tropical, with heavy rain, affecting mining operations.
Geographic Location
The Tenke Mine is located in the Tenke-Fungurume area of Lualaba province, DR Congo, at coordinates approximately -10.60274 latitude and 26.13467 longitude. It sits about 180 km northwest of Lubumbashi, a major mining hub in southeastern DR Congo, and is part of the Katanga Copper Crescent, known for its rich mineral deposits.
Minerals Produced
The mine is a major producer of copper and cobalt, essential for industries like electronics and batteries. It also features rare secondary copper minerals such as gerhardtite, paramelaconite, and buttgenbachite, which are of interest to mineral enthusiasts for their unique crystal formations.
Mining History and Operations
Exploration at the Tenke Mine began around 1900 by Union Miniere, with various owners including Gecamines, Anglo American, Adolph Lundin, and Phelps Dodge before current ownership by Tenke Fungurume Mining SA, with China Molybdenum holding 80% and Gecamines 20%. Production started in 2009, and it employs over 8,000 Congolese, making it a significant economic driver.
Local and Environmental Context
The mine impacts local communities Tenke and Fungurume, providing jobs but also facing challenges with artisanal mining and land disputes. The tropical climate, with heavy rainfall, requires specific measures for mining operations, and the ecology likely includes tropical forests or savannas.