DRC Mines Ministry Signs Energy Partnership with ONYO-BT SARL to Address Power Shortages in Mining Sector
DRC Mines Ministry Signs Energy Partnership with ONYO-BT SARL to Address Power Shortages in Mining Sector
DRC Mines Ministry Partners with ONYO-BT SARL to Develop Off-Grid Energy Solutions for Mining Operations
On Friday, June 12, 2026, the Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Mines and ONYO-BT SARL, a company specializing in innovative electricity generation technologies.
ONYO-BT SARL develops autonomous power solutions that do not rely on conventional energy sources and are designed to operate without smoke emissions, positioning the company within the emerging clean and off-grid energy sector.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation aimed at addressing the persistent electricity shortages affecting mining operators across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which continue to hinder production and industrial efficiency.
Focus on Energy Supply for Mining Operations
The partnership focuses on the production, supply, transport, and security of electrical energy for mining facilities.
It is intended to improve energy reliability for industrial mining operations, which frequently face disruptions due to limited infrastructure and inconsistent grid access.
As part of the agreement, both parties will develop an experimental electricity transmission project linking the Lupatapata site in Kasai Oriental Province to power the MIBA industrial plant and its associated residential complex.
The initiative is expected to serve as a pilot project for broader energy solutions in the Greater Kasai mining region.
Government Support and Implementation Framework
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the Ministry of Mines will provide institutional support to ONYO-BT SARL to facilitate the implementation of its energy projects within the mining sector.
This includes assisting the company in securing the necessary authorisations and permits from relevant authorities to carry out its operations effectively.
The Ministry will also work to ensure that the partnership aligns with national priorities aimed at improving energy access for strategic industries, particularly mining.
Supporting Energy Diversification in the Mining Sector
The agreement reflects the government’s broader strategy to diversify energy infrastructure in support of mining development, at a time when demand for reliable power continues to rise across industrial sites.
It aligns with the national development vision of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, coordinated under the leadership of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, which prioritises strengthening industrial capacity and improving energy security for economic growth.
The partnership is expected to contribute to long-term solutions for electricity challenges that have historically constrained mining productivity in the DRC.
