# China-Africa Critical Minerals Update: Clean Up in Zambia, Disputes in the DR Congo

An episode of [The China in Africa Podcast](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/484409506), 30 May 2025, 47 min.

Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/b3f2a027-658f-4f2b-812a-d8c56362e481/CAP_05302025_Libsyn.mp3?dest-id=4284093

In Zambia, efforts to clean up a massive acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine have been met with skepticism, despite government assurances. Officials claim restitution is underway and rehabilitation plans are in place, but activists question the fairness of compensation and lack of independent assessments. Meantime, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, tensions are growing between major players in the cobalt and copper sectors. A public dispute between joint venture partners Ivanhoe and Zijin over mine damage revealed deep fractures, while an export ban on cobalt, aimed at stabilizing prices, has pitted Glencore against Chinese firm CMOC. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @obertbore | @christiangeraud Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

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