Glencore to cut DRC mining jobs

Glencore is cutting the workforce at its Mutanda copper and cobalt mine in the DRC to lower costs before a possible shift in production methods. Labour unions met on Friday to discuss the job cuts, which will affect contractors and expatriate employees, the people said, asking not to be identified as the matter is private. A report on the Fin24 site notes that no Congolese nationals are affected. The layoffs come as Glencore considers a plan to stop mining oxide ores at Mutanda. Mutanda is the world’s largest and richest source of cobalt. The mining company is considering investing in new methods to extract the metals from sulfide deposits. The company is studying the economic viability of those deposits, given rising production costs and an uncertain political environment in Congo.