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Lobito Railway Restarts Congo Copper Exports After Flood Recovery

Bloomberg Markets •
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Lobito Atlantic Railway has resumed copper shipments from the Democratic Republic of Congo following emergency repairs to flood-damaged tracks. The railway corridor linking Lobito port to Huambo reopened after approximately two months of closure, marking a significant recovery for central African mineral exports.

CEO Nicholas Fournier emphasized the operation's resilience, noting that teams maintained cargo flows throughout the disruption using a contingency plan. Freight was transferred between trains and trucks on either side of the damaged section to preserve supply chains.

The restored link serves as a vital conduit for copper and cobalt exports from Congo to Atlantic markets, supporting Western-backed infrastructure initiatives for critical mineral development. This corridor forms part of broader efforts to establish reliable transport networks for Africa's strategic mineral wealth.

The reopening signals renewed confidence in Angola's rail infrastructure as a gateway for mineral exports, though investors will watch for sustained performance and potential capacity constraints on this essential trade route.