JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters) – High shipping costs pose a challenge for producers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ivanhoe Mines (OTC:) However, an alternate route through Angola could ease the pinch. This was stated by Robert Friedland on Wednesday.

Friedland said that shipping costs worldwide have risen to the point where everyone is suffering. Although it has presented a challenge for us, we can see the cost of shipping material falling. It just takes longer.

For the third quarter 2021, $1.28 per Pound was reported by the company. The cost of logistics to China for shipment to China came in at $0.37 or 29%.

Ivanhoe operates the Kamoa Kakula Copper Mine in south Congo’s Lualaba Province. Currently, it transports its product to Durban, South African.

Friedland indicated that it is currently looking to use an alternate route through Angola for lower transportation costs.

He said, “It’s only a third the distance. A new Angolan railway is going to take us closer to the ocean.”

He said that Ivanhoe and its joint venture partner Zijin Mining are working together to lower costs. “We are seeing a lot more shipping options than using containers,” said he.

Shipping containers have risen in cost from their pre-pandemic level.

Kamoa Kakula produced an astonishing 105,884 tonnes in copper concentrate last year.

Friedland stated that Ivanhoe was “very interested” to expand into the United States. Friedland added that some areas have “enormous potential” for copper.

Joe Biden, the US President has expressed support for national mining projects to increase domestic production of mineral materials used in electric cars.