KOLWEZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – June 2026 – U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ian McCary visited Chemaf’s Mutoshi copper and cobalt operations in Lualaba Province on 16 June 2026, meeting with employees and touring the site as development advances under Chemaf’s new ownership.
The visit came as Chemaf moves forward with the development of Mutoshi following its acquisition by U.S.-based Virtus Minerals, in partnership with Lloyds Metals and Energy. The transaction received approval from the DRC Minister of Mines and Gécamines earlier this year.
During his visit, Chargé d’Affaires McCary toured the Mutoshi facilities and met with Chemaf employees to learn more about work underway at the site and the company’s progress in bringing the project into production.
Strengthening the U.S.-DRC Partnership
The visit highlighted the role of Chemaf within the growing strategic partnership between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo around critical minerals and responsible investment.
The U.S. Embassy has described the relaunch of Chemaf’s Mutoshi operations by Virtus Minerals as a flagship U.S. investment in the DRC, with the potential to support secure and reliable mineral supply chains while creating jobs and wider benefits for Congolese communities.
Chargé d’Affaires McCary’s visit to Mutoshi took place during a wider visit to Lualaba Province around DRC Mining Week.
Chemaf is continuing to invest in both the Mutoshi and Etoile sites while working with local communities and government partners to support employment, skills development and community initiatives around its operations.