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Coil of copper

Copper cathode from Zambia

Copper cathode from verified producers on the Zambian Copperbelt, moved by road and rail to the coast for export.

Producing regionCopperbelt and North-Western provinces
Export portsDar es Salaam, Durban, Walvis Bay
GradesLME Grade A and non-registered
InspectionAt the warehouse or load port

About copper cathode from Zambia

Zambia is one of Africa’s largest copper producers. Most output comes from the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces, where several smelters and refineries produce cathode, including LME-registered brands.

Zambia is landlocked, so cathode travels by truck or rail to a port before loading. The route, transit time and border handling all need to be agreed before the contract, along with who carries the risk in transit.

Zambian copper is also one of the most misrepresented offers in the market. We confirm the producer, the brand, the stock location and the seller’s title before any offer reaches a buyer.

Typical specification

Indicative
Standard
BS EN 1978 Cu-CATH-1 or ASTM B115, as agreed
Copper content
99.99% minimum for Grade A
Brands
LME-registered and non-registered Zambian brands
Packing
Strapped bundles of about 2 to 2.5 tonnes
Transport to port
Road or rail, about one to three weeks depending on route

Typical specification for reference. The binding specification for each lot is the producer certificate of analysis and the contract.

Checks and complianceWe verify the producer and the seller’s title directly, and screen every party against sanctions lists. Offers of Zambian cathode at large discounts to the LME price are a common sign of fraud.

Shipping and logistics

  • By road through Tanzania to Dar es Salaam, the most common route east
  • By road through Zimbabwe and South Africa to Durban
  • By road along the Walvis Bay corridor through Namibia
  • FCA at the producer or warehouse, or CIF from the port of loading

Documents supplied

Certificate of analysisZambian certificate of originExport permit and customs declarationIndependent inspection and weight certificateTruck or rail consignment notesBill of lading

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zambian copper take to reach the port?

Usually one to three weeks by road, depending on the route, border crossings and the season. Rail can be slower but suits larger volumes.

Can you deliver CIF to my port?

Yes. The seller arranges inland transport, loading and ocean freight, and the price includes all of it. Tell us your discharge port.

How do you check a Zambian copper seller?

We confirm the company and its directors, the producer and brand, the stock location and proof of title, and require independent inspection before any letter of credit is opened.

More on copper cathode

Copper cathode: all originsCopper cathode from ChileCopper cathode from the DRC

Other origins we source from

Aluminium ingots and billets from ChinaAluminium from the UAEGranular sulphur from the Middle East

Do not see what you need?

If it is traded physically, we can source it. Tell us the specification, volume and delivery terms.

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