Zijin Mining Orders Two Larger Bulk Carriers to Expand Mineral Transport on Lake Tanganyika

Chinese mining group Zijin Mining has ordered two additional bulk carriers for its mineral transport operations on Lake Tanganyika, strengthening efforts to develop an alternative export corridor for minerals produced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The vessels, each with a capacity of 3,000 deadweight tonnes (dwt), have been commissioned from China’s Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding. Together, they will add 6,000 dwt of capacity to the company’s lake transport fleet.

The order follows an earlier contract with the same shipbuilder for four 2,000 dwt vessels, which are already operating on Lake Tanganyika between the DRC and Tanzania. The new ships will each be 50% larger than their predecessors. Zijin has not disclosed the contract value or expected delivery dates.

Alternative export route for Congolese minerals

The investment forms part of Zijin’s strategy to improve the transportation of minerals from its mining operations in the DRC and reduce reliance on existing overland routes.

The company’s current shipping operation moves Congolese cargo across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma in Tanzania, where shipments can connect with onward transport networks leading towards the country’s Indian Ocean export infrastructure.

Developing this route could provide Zijin with greater flexibility in moving mineral production to international markets, particularly as the company expands its mining interests in Central Africa.

Building transport capacity in East Africa

Zijin’s first four lake bulk carriers were delivered through an arrangement in which hull sections were manufactured in China and assembled in Tanzania. The approach helped overcome the logistical challenges associated with building vessels for an inland African waterway.

The latest order signals continued investment in lake-based mineral logistics and highlights the strategic importance of regional transport infrastructure to the mining industry.

As mineral production grows in the DRC and neighbouring countries, reliable transport connections will remain essential for moving commodities efficiently from mines to export markets. Expanding capacity on Lake Tanganyika could strengthen links between Central African mining operations and Tanzania’s wider trade network.

Image:  Xinneng Shipbuilding