Mining
Investment Opportunities in DRC's Mining Sector
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is globally recognized as an exceptional geological treasure, hosting some of the most significant deposits of critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. With more than 1,100 identified mineral substances and estimated reserves worth over USD 24 trillion, the DRC positions itself as an indispensable player in the supply chain for green technologies and electric mobility.
The DRC Energy & Mining Investment Forum 2025 offers a unique platform to explore investment opportunities in this strategic sector, in a context of growing global demand for critical minerals and the evolution of the Congolese regulatory framework toward greater transparency and sustainability.
Critical and Strategic Minerals
Cobalt: The Crown Jewel
The DRC holds approximately 70% of global cobalt reserves and accounts for more than 60% of world production. This mineral is essential for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles and electronic devices.
Key data:
- Annual production: approximately 100,000 tons
- Proven reserves: more than 3.5 million tons
- Main deposits: Katanga Copperbelt
- Projected global demand growth: 21% annually until 2030
Investment Opportunities
- Development of new cobalt mines
- Modernization of existing facilities
- Creation of processing and refining plants
- Development of recycling technologies
- Production of cathode precursors for batteries
Copper: Foundation of Electrification
The DRC possesses some of the richest copper deposits in the world, with grades often higher than the global average. Copper is essential for electrification and energy infrastructure.
Key data:
- Annual production: approximately 1.8 million tons
- Proven reserves: more than 31 million tons
- Main deposits: Katanga Copperbelt
- Average grade: 2-5% (compared to a global average of 0.6%)
Investment Opportunities
- Expansion of existing mines
- Development of new concessions
- Installation of modern smelters and refineries
- Production of electrical wires and cables
- Manufacturing of electrical components
Lithium: The White Gold of Energy Transition
Recent discoveries have revealed significant lithium deposits in the DRC, particularly in Tanganyika province. This mineral is crucial for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage.
Key data:
- Manono deposit: one of the world's largest lithium deposits
- Average grade: 1.58% Li₂O
- Production potential: up to 700,000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually
Investment Opportunities
- Exploration and development of deposits
- Construction of processing plants
- Production of lithium hydroxide and carbonate
- Integration into the battery value chain
Other Strategic Minerals
The DRC also possesses significant resources of:
- Tantalum and Niobium: used in electronics and special alloys
- Tin and Tungsten: essential for electronics and industry
- Rare Earth Elements: crucial for green technologies and defense
- Manganese: key component in batteries and special steels
- Gold and Diamonds: safe-haven assets and industrial applications
Value Chain and Processing Opportunities
Strategic Vision
The DRC is now moving toward a development strategy that favors local mineral processing rather than exporting raw materials. This approach aims to maximize the added value generated on national territory and create skilled jobs.
Opportunities by Value Chain Segment
Exploration and Mining Development
- Use of advanced exploration technologies (satellite imagery, artificial intelligence)
- Use of advanced exploration technologies (satellite imagery, artificial intelligence)
- Resource evaluation according to international standards (JORC, NI 43-101)
Extraction and Primary Processing
- Modernization of extraction techniques to improve yields
- Optimization of mineral concentration processes
- Reduction of the environmental footprint of mining operations
Processing and Refining
- Development of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processing plants
- Production of cobalt and nickel hydroxides and sulfates
- Copper refining to produce grade A cathodes
Manufacturing of High Value-Added Products
- Production of precursor cathode active materials (PCAM)
- Manufacturing of cathode active materials (CAM)
- Production of battery components and cells
Recycling and Circular Economy
- Development of battery recycling facilities
- Recovery of critical metals from electronic waste
- Implementation of end-of-life product collection and processing systems
Regulatory and Incentive Framework
Revised Mining Code (2018)
The DRC Mining Code, revised in 2018, establishes a legal framework that aims to balance attractiveness for investors and benefits for the state and local communities.
Key provisions:
- Increased state participation in mining projects
- Classification of cobalt, lithium, and other minerals as strategic substances
- Requirement for local processing of certain ores
- Strengthening of environmental and social obligations
- Increase in royalties on strategic substances
Incentives for Local Processing
To encourage local mineral processing, the Congolese government has implemented several incentives:
- Reduction of export taxes for processed products
- Tax exemptions for importing equipment intended for processing
- Special economic zones dedicated to mineral processing
- Preferential access to electricity for processing projects
- Preferential access to electricity for processing projects
Bipartisan BRIDGE to DRC Act
The recent adoption of the Bipartisan BRIDGE to DRC Act (H.R.8310) by the U.S. Congress creates a favorable framework for American investments in the Congolese mining sector, particularly in the field of critical minerals.
Implications for investors:
- Strengthening of strategic relations between the United States and the DRC
- Political and diplomatic support for investment projects
- Possibilities of preferential financing via EXIM Bank
- Cooperation framework for developing resilient supply chains
Certification and Traceability Initiatives
Certification and Traceability Initiatives
The DRC is actively engaged in several certification initiatives to guarantee the responsible sourcing of minerals:
- Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI): Promoting transparency in the management of mining revenues
- Kimberley Process: Certification of conflict-free diamonds
- Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI): Traceability of conflict minerals
- Chain of Custody Certification (CoC): Tracking minerals from the mining site to the final product
CongoSat Project
The CongoSat project, which will be presented at the DRC Energy & Mining Investment Forum 2025, aims to use satellite technology to improve the mapping of mineral resources and ensure real-time monitoring of mining activities.
Planned features:
- Precise mapping of mining concessions
- Detection of unauthorized mining activities
- Environmental monitoring of mining areas
- Assessment of impacts on forest ecosystems
African Minerals Exchange (BAMEX)
BAMEX is an innovative initiative that aims to create a transparent trading platform for Congolese minerals, using blockchain technology to guarantee the traceability and integrity of transactions.
Benefits for investors:
- Increased transparency in price setting
- Certification of mineral origin
- Reduction of intermediaries
- Compliance with international due diligence requirements
EXIM Bank Financing Opportunities
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), which will be represented at the DRC Energy & Mining Investment Forum 2025, offers preferential financing solutions for the acquisition of American equipment for the mining sector:
Eligible Equipment
- Eligible Equipment
- Analysis and quality control systems
- Refining and processing technologies
- Environmental protection equipment
- Traceability and certification systems
EXIM Bank Financing Advantages
- Preferential interest rates
- Extended repayment periods adapted to mining projects
- Technical assistance for project implementation
- U.S. government guarantees
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Considerations
Responsible Mining Practices
Environmental Commitment
The DRC is committed to promoting environmentally responsible mining practices:
- Mandatory rehabilitation of mining sites
- Responsible management of mining residues
- Protection of sensitive ecosystems
- Protection of sensitive ecosystems
Community Development
Mining projects must contribute to the development of local communities:
- Mandatory community development plans
- Creation of local jobs and vocational training
- Investments in social infrastructure (schools, health centers)
- Consultation and participation of communities in decisions
Transparent Governance
Transparent Governance
- Publication of mining contracts
- Disclosure of beneficial owners of mining companies
- Independent audit of mining revenues
- Fight against corruption and illicit financial flows
Conclusion
The DRC’s mining sector offers exceptional investment opportunities, particularly in the context of the global energy transition and growing demand for critical minerals. The strategic vision of the Congolese government, focused on local processing and sustainable development, creates a favorable environment for investors who wish to participate in creating added value on Congolese territory.
The DRC Energy & Mining Investment Forum 2025 represents a unique opportunity to explore these opportunities, establish strategic partnerships, and contribute to the responsible development of the DRC’s mineral resources.