Grand Katanga, the historic copper and cobalt hub of the DR Congo, attracts global interest for its cathodes, concentrates, blister, ingots, and wire bars. Yet beneath this fervor lies a minefield of sophisticated scams. Bad actors exploit both the appetite for metals and ignorance of local realities, targeting foreign buyers ill-prepared for informal practices.

When Haste Backfires

Pressure to close deals quickly—whether driven by rumors of rising global prices or claims that other buyers are waiting—leads many investors to bypass essential verifications. The result: shipments whose quality, volume, or even the type of copper doesn’t match initial samples, leaving buyers with unsellable product.

Fraud Schemes Targeting Copper Products

1. Ghost intermediaries and fictitious cargo
   Fraudsters claim to hold export-ready stocks of cathodes, concentrates, blister, ingots, or wire bars. After receiving an advance payment, they vanish or deliver a shipment so degraded it fails contractual specifications.
2. Falsified assay results by unaccredited labs
   Some labs issue bogus purity certificates, artificially inflating copper or cobalt content. Buyers only discover the deception upon receipt, when actual metal grades fall far below promised levels.
3. Manipulated transport and origin documents
   Bills of lading, invoices, and certificates of origin are tampered with to hide illegal sourcing or intermediary failures. Any claim against the seller becomes virtually impossible.
4. Cash payments or offshore accounts without guarantees
   Scammers demand payment in cash or wire transfers to unregulated offshore entities, offering no bank guarantees or escrow protection. The money trail vanishes, eliminating any legal recourse.

Devastating Consequences

• Massive direct financial losses, often running into millions of dollars, stuck in inaccessible cargo or accounts.
• Legal deadlock and lack of effective recourse in the DR Congo due to forged contracts and documents.
• Erosion of buyer confidence: international purchasers now hesitate to engage in Katanga, despite its exceptional potential.
• Reputational damage: failures in these markets undermine credibility with financial and industrial partners.

Zebridge Mining Advisory’s Tailored Response

To secure your copper purchases in Greater Katanga, we’ve built an end-to-end protection framework:

• Comprehensive due diligence
  Verification of each lot directly with certified bodies (LME, ICSG) and full traceability from the mine to the port of shipment.
• Partnership with authorized companies and smelters
  We work exclusively with Congolese firms and plants officially registered and approved by the state, eliminating any risk of phantom intermediaries.
• Dedicated legal support
  Zebridge partners with a mining law firm boasting over 30 years of experience. You gain direct access to these experts for unmatched reliability on every transaction.
• Secure escrow payments
  All funds are held in escrow and released only after independent verification confirms that volumes and quality fully meet contractual terms.
• Continuous on-the-ground monitoring
  Our Lubumbashi-based experts oversee each shipment and customs procedure to guarantee compliant, on-time delivery.

Act with Complete Confidence

Don’t let your capital disappear into fraudulent schemes. Contact our team for a free consultation:
✉️ advisory@zebridge.com

Leverage our local network, legal expertise, and operational knowledge to turn your copper projects in Katanga into sustainable successes.