Barrick Mining Sets Sights on DRC Copper as Exploration Begins in Haut Katanga
Barrick Mining, best known for its gold operations through its Kibali subsidiary in Doko, has begun copper exploration efforts in Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), signaling a potential expansion into the country’s critical copper sector.
For the past two years, Barrick has held exploration permits in the mineral-rich Haut-Katanga province, allowing it to carry out copper prospecting activities.
These developments were confirmed by Cyril Mutombo, Barrick’s Country Director, during a press conference held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Karavia Hotel in Lubumbashi, on the sidelines of DRC Mining Week.
“In Katanga, Barrick is actively engaged in copper exploration. We’ve been officially registered with the Mining Registry for over two years and have obtained the necessary permits to begin work in previously untapped areas,” Mutombo explained to journalists.
Mutombo clarified that the company is still in the exploration phase—not exploitation—addressing confusion among some members of the public.
“We are not yet at the production or exploitation stage. We are conducting exploration, which, as many know, is a lengthy process.
It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 years to identify mineral anomalies,” he said. “Only after these initial steps do we proceed to advanced surveys, resource definition, modeling, and feasibility studies, before considering development.”
When asked when Barrick might produce its first copper cathode in the DRC, Mutombo said there was no timeline yet—it all depends on geological progress.
“We don’t have a definitive timeframe. However, we’ve begun the process using the Barrick Group’s global technical expertise.
In Zambia, for example, we’re expanding the Lumwana copper mine with an additional $3 billion investment. We’re optimistic that as our geologists advance, we’ll become an active player in DRC’s copper sector as well.”
Barrick’s copper ambitions are part of a broader global strategy. The company plans to double its copper production to 450,000 tonnes annually by 2031.
It already operates major copper mining operations, including Lumwana in Zambia—a neighboring region to Haut-Katanga—which plays a vital role in the Zambian economy.
With strong financial backing, operational expertise, and a long-term vision, Barrick’s expansion into copper exploration in the DRC signals its intent to become a key player in the region’s copper industry.
