The Lobito Corridor is unique because it isn’t just a “build it, and they will come” project; it already has massive “take-or-pay” commitments from some of the world’s largest mining entities. These agreements form the financial bedrock of the corridor, ensuring that the rail line has guaranteed revenue to repay its multi-billion-dollar loans.
Here are the specific companies and details regarding their commitments:
1. Ivanhoe Mines (Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex)
Ivanhoe Mines is the “anchor tenant” of the Lobito Corridor. Its Kamoa-Kakula mine in the DRC is currently the fastest-growing major copper mine in the world.
-
The Commitment: In early 2024, Ivanhoe signed a Reserved Capacity Agreement to transport between 120,000 and 240,000 tonnes of copper products (blister-anode or concentrate) per year.
-
Duration: The agreement has a minimum term of five years, starting in 2025.
-
Strategic Advantage: Previously, Ivanhoe sent 90% of its products through Durban (South Africa) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)—a round-trip of 40–50 days. The Lobito route has already proven it can do the trip in just 8 days.
2. Trafigura
As a founding member of the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) consortium, Trafigura is both the operator and a primary customer.
-
The Commitment: Trafigura has secured an export capacity of up to 450,000 tonnes per year starting in 2025.
-
The Role: Trafigura acts as the “aggregator,” buying minerals from smaller mines across the Copperbelt and using its guaranteed rail capacity to export them to global markets.
-
Duration: Their commitment is for a minimum of six years.
3. Pensana Plc (Rare Earths)
While copper and cobalt dominate the conversation, the corridor is also vital for the “green” rare-earth magnets industry.
-
The Project: Pensana is developing the Longonjo Rare Earths Project in Angola, located directly alongside the rail line.
-
The Connection: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) recently provided a $3.4 million grant specifically to help Pensana integrate its logistics with the Lobito rail network. It will use the rail to transport rare earth sulfates to the Port of Lobito for export to the UK and Europe.
4. Zijin Mining Group
As a joint venture partner with Ivanhoe in the Kamoa-Kakula mine, China’s Zijin Mining is indirectly one of the largest users of the corridor.
-
The Irony: Despite the corridor being a Western-backed (U.S./EU) initiative to counter Chinese influence, Chinese-owned or partnered mines are currently among its most significant customers because the logistics simply make the most financial sense.
Summary of Capacity Allocation (Target 2026-2030)
The consortium is aiming to scale the line’s capacity to 1 million tonnes per year by 2030. Currently, the “big two” have already spoken for a significant portion of that:
| Company | Commodity | Reserved Annual Capacity |
| Trafigura | Various (Copper/Cobalt) | Up to 450,000 tonnes |
| Ivanhoe Mines | Copper | 120,000 – 240,000 tonnes |
| Future Potential | Lithium / Agriculture / Reagents | ~300,000+ tonnes |
What this means for the region
Because these companies have signed “take-or-pay” deals (meaning they pay for the capacity even if they don’t use it), the railway has the guaranteed cash flow needed to fund the Zambia-Lobito extension. This extension will eventually bring Zambia’s massive copper reserves into the same Atlantic-facing logistics loop.