ERG Announces Pre-Export Finance Facility Agreement Based on Metalkol Copper Supply

On Monday 2 September 2024, the Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a Luxembourg-headquartered natural resources group, announced a pre-export finance agreement with Bank of China Limited, London Branch, and Glencore International AG.

Under the terms of the agreement, ERG can borrow up to $150 million for working capital or other general corporate purposes. The pre-export finance facility is supported by a supply agreement for copper cathodes produced by ERG's Metalkol.

Nicolas Treand, CEO of ERG Africa, said: "We are delighted that Glencore and Bank of China have partnered with us to arrange this pre-export finance facility for Metalkol, which will enable us to prioritise the investment programme at the enterprise. Our combined efforts will further boost regional economic development, as well as promote responsible practices in mining and metals extraction across Africa."

Jyothish George, Head of Copper Marketing at Glencore, noted: "We are pleased to partner with Eurasian Resources Group and Bank of China to help support the ongoing supply of critical minerals, such as copper, from the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] to customers around the world."

Mital Patel, Head of Structured Trade Finance at Bank of China, London Branch, added: "This transaction has all the hallmarks of a traditional pre-export structure. We have two clients, either side of the supply chain. A commodity that is critical towards electrifying our world and a producer using a more environment friendly than conventional mining process, as Metalkol uses historic tailings as its feed."

As reported by ERG, the supply agreement will "further cement ERG's strong portfolio of commercial contracts with global partners", as well as its "continued strategy to contribute to economic growth" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. ERG added that the DRC recently emerged as the second largest copper producer globally, "with further potential". Copper cathodes supplied from Metalkol are also expected to support the growing demand for critical minerals to power the green energy transition.

ERG also noted that its Metalkol facility has undergone the Responsible Mineral Assurance Process, a flagship programme of the Responsible Minerals Initiative which was established to verify the responsible sourcing of minerals and aims to deliver increased value chain assurance. Copper from Metalkol is sourced in line with the principles and goals stated in the ERG Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework, which is in accordance with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, ERG concluded.