DRC Shifts Focus to Mining Sector Diversification for Sustainable Growth
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), through the Ministry of Mines, has launched a renewed drive to diversify its mining sector. This initiative is aimed at strengthening the country’s economic resilience and supporting inclusive, sustainable development.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Mines, Minister Kizito Pakabomba is leading efforts to reduce the nation’s overreliance on copper and cobalt by expanding into other strategic minerals such as lithium, gold, and rare earth elements.
“The Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, is initiating a new approach to diversify the mining sector in the DRC,” the ministry said. “This vision seeks to reinforce economic resilience and maximize local benefits for long-term development.”
As part of the new strategy, the government is looking to expand partnerships beyond its traditional allies, attract new foreign investments, and reposition the DRC as a key player in the global energy transition.
The diversification effort also includes developing the mining potential in provinces outside Haut-Katanga and Kasai, fostering a more equitable distribution of mining activities across the country.
To increase local value addition, the ministry is promoting the establishment of refining facilities, smelters, battery manufacturing plants, and other industrial units. These efforts aim to transform raw materials within the country rather than exporting them unprocessed.
Minister Pakabomba emphasized that mining revenues should be used to support broader economic diversification and development, including investment in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, and other priority sectors.
