Lubumbashi 路 Haut-Katanga, DR Congo
Copper site visits and seller checks in Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi is where most DRC copper offers say the goods are: in a warehouse in town, at a trading house, or on the road to the Zambian border. Our field partner lives there. For $450 they go to the warehouse and photograph what is really there; for $149 they check the company at the trade register and visit its address.
You pay Copper Supply. Full refund if the check can't be done. ID-checked members only (free, a few minutes).
Why Lubumbashi matters
Lubumbashi is the capital of Haut-Katanga and the trading centre of the DRC copper belt. Trading houses, clearing agents, banks and the state offices that sign export papers (the Ministry of Mines' provincial division, CEEC, OCC and DGDA customs) are all here. Copper from Kolwezi and Likasi passes through on its way to Kasumbalesa, about 90 km to the south-east.
That's also why so many offers name Lubumbashi. "Cathode in a bonded warehouse in Lubumbashi, ready to load" is one of the most common lines in a copper offer, and one of the hardest for a buyer abroad to check.
What our partner checks in Lubumbashi
- The warehouse. Does it exist at the address on the SKR or the offer? Will the operator confirm the seller has goods there? Are there cathode bundles or bags matching the quantity and markings in the documents?
- Who controls the goods. Many lots belong to someone other than the person selling them. Our partner asks the seller and, where they can, the warehouse separately.
- The company. Its registration at the trade register (RCCM), its national ID number, whether its registered address is a real office, and whether the person you're dealing with is one of its directors.
Warning signs we see in Lubumbashi offers
- A warehouse that won't let a visitor in, or a visit that keeps being moved.
- A request for money "for access", "for the inspector" or "to release the goods" before you've seen anything.
- Bundles shown on the day that carry another company's markings.
- An SKR or holding certificate issued in a company name that doesn't match the seller.
How a field check works
- You order on Copper Supply and pay Copper Supply. Only members whose ID has been checked can order, so nobody can send our partner somewhere anonymously.
- Our field partner in Lubumbashi contacts the seller as "the Copper Supply field partner". Your name, your price and your deal are never shared.
- You follow every step in the job: seller contacted, visit booked, on the way, and a GPS check-in when they arrive.
- You get dated photos stamped with the GPS position, short videos and a written report, usually within 3 to 5 working days.
A field check reports what was seen on the day. It isn't an inspection: there's no sampling, assay, weighing or certificate. For any lot you pay for, appoint an inspection company too.
Questions people ask
How much is a site visit in Lubumbashi?
US$450 for one warehouse, yard or site, with dated photos stamped with the GPS position, short videos and a written report. A company check (trade register, mining cadastre, registered address) is US$149. You pay Copper Supply; the partner is paid by us.
How fast can someone go?
Usually within 3 to 5 working days, once the seller agrees a time. If the seller won't agree a visit, you're refunded and the refusal is in your report: that's a finding in itself.
Is this an inspection?
No. It's an independent visual and local check of what was there on the day. There's no sampling, assay or weighing and no certificate. Appoint an inspection company for any lot you pay for.
Will the seller know who I am?
No. Our partner introduces themselves only as the Copper Supply field partner. Your name, your company and your price are never shared.
Check it before you pay for it
A field check tells you the cargo is there. An expert document review tells you the papers are right. Use both before any money moves.