A general view of processing facilities in Tenke Fungurume Mine, one of the largest copper and cobalt mines in the world, in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on June 17, 2023. Emmet Livingstone/AFP via Getty Images
JOHANNESBURG—China is spending billions of dollars to buy copper and the rights to mine and process the metal—one of the world’s most important critical minerals—especially in Africa, where it has a strong presence.
Beijing is making these moves, according to mining experts, as part of its preparation for more direct competition for Africa’s minerals from the United States.
