The Deputy Prime Minister for Transport of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean Pierre Bemba, presided over a ceremony on January 20th to celebrate the completion of the RR2 project. This project is funded by Tenke Fungurume Mining. This new line is located in Lualaba Province, aiming to improve the convenience of railway transportation to the Fungurume mining area and enhance connectivity with the national network, with both ends connected to the main line from Lubumbashi to Tenke.

According to Fabian Mutombu, the head of SNCC, the national railway company of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this new connecting line will enable a higher proportion of TFM's ore production to be transported by railway, thereby improving network efficiency and accelerating train operation speed. In addition, this route is expected to reduce logistics costs for mining and other operators.

The civil engineering project undertaken by Gazebo Congo involves excavating over 3 million cubic meters of material in a 3-kilometer-long area to create a suitable slope. In addition, a 28 kilometer long drainage system was constructed, which eventually flows into the Dipata River, and is equipped with a heavy-duty level crossing suitable for mining vehicles with a load capacity of up to 80 tons.

Officials stated that the RR2 project demonstrates how targeted private investment can drive the modernization of critical railway infrastructure and support the growth of mineral exports, while providing a model for upgrading other sections of Congo's railway network. This line was officially put into use after completing technical handover and ceremonial trial operation last year. Keywords: Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, mining concession projects

The 5 CKD8C4R diesel locomotives ordered by SNCC from CRRC Qishayan Company in March 2024 have recently arrived at Dar es Salaam Port. It is expected that these locomotives will arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo later this month and will be deployed to enhance the capacity of the national network.Editor/Cheng Liting