NANJING, China/BEIJING, Nov 4 (Reuters) – China’s Nanjing Hanrui Cobalt Co Ltd 300618.SZ expects to start its cobalt production line in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in late-November to December, General Manager Liang Jie said on Wednesday.

The 5,000-tonnes-per-year production line in Kolwezi, DRC, which was expected to go online earlier in the year, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Liang said on the sidelines of the China International Nickel and Cobalt Conference in Nanjing.

The firm was still discussing sales contracts with foreign traders and domestic users, Liang said.