DRC Plans New Copper Megaproject in Greater Kasai With Integrated Energy Infrastructure
DRC Pushes Greater Kasai Mining Expansion With Major Chinese Copper Project and Energy Infrastructure Plan
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advancing plans to transform Greater Kasai into a new strategic mining production hub, as part of efforts to diversify the country’s extractive industry beyond its traditional mining regions.
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba held discussions with officials from China Railway Resources Universal Limited to review a major proposed mining investment in the territories of Miabi and Kabeya-Kamwanga.
Large-scale copper project planned
According to the Ministry of Mines, the proposed project involves the development of an industrial-scale copper mine with an estimated annual production capacity ranging between 200,000 and 500,000 tonnes.
If realized, the operation would rank among the most significant copper mining developments in the country.
The Congolese government believes the project could generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs while stimulating economic activity in Greater Kasai through infrastructure development, supply chains and service industries.
Diversifying DRC’s mining geography
The initiative aligns with Kinshasa’s broader strategy to decentralize mining investment, which has historically been concentrated in the former Katanga region, particularly in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga provinces, where most of the country’s copper and cobalt output is currently produced.
Authorities say expanding mining operations to other regions is intended to promote more balanced provincial development and reduce regional economic disparities.
Integrated energy infrastructure component
Beyond mining, the proposed project includes a major energy infrastructure component aimed at addressing local electricity shortages and supporting industrial operations.
Plans include the construction of a hybrid hydroelectric and solar photovoltaic power facility with a projected capacity of 250 to 500 megawatts.
This infrastructure is expected to support mining activities while also contributing to broader regional energy supply.
Government backing and strategic importance
During the meeting, Minister Kabamba emphasized that the project has received special attention from President Félix Tshisekedi, who is prioritizing its rapid development as part of national economic transformation efforts.
The Minister also assured the Chinese delegation of government support to facilitate the project’s implementation, describing it as a potential driver of both economic growth and energy development for Greater Kasai.
If completed, the investment would mark a significant shift in the DRC’s mining landscape, expanding large-scale industrial activity into new regions while strengthening its position as a leading global supplier of copper.
Picture Credit:whyafrica.za
