Mining in DRC - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Kamoa-Kakula Smelter Launched After Traditional Ceremony Marks Start of Operations 1

Kamoa-Kakula Copper Smelter Begins Operations After Inaugural Heating Ceremony in DRC The Kamoa-Kakula copper smelter, promoted as the largest and most environmentally advanced on the African continent, officially began heating on November 21, 2025. Ivanhoe Mines, the operator of the copper complex in Lualaba province, confirmed that the first feed of concentrate was expected before the end of the year. The launch was marked by a traditional ceremony led by Chief Musokantanda Sabuni Kafweku, symbolizing the connection between ancestral customs and the industrial ambition of the project. A flame from… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper

DRC Mineral Markets See Mixed Movements as Copper Continues Upward Trend

December 4, 2025December 4, 2025 Constance

Copper Prices Rise as Other Key DRC Minerals Show Mixed Performance in Early December 2025 International markets displayed contrasting trends for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) major mineral exports during the week of December 1–6, 2025. According to projections from the National Market Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, copper continued its recent momentum with a notable increase, while several other minerals fluctuated between stability and decline. Copper is expected to reach $10,823.83 per tonne, up from $10,769.55 the previous week. Although modest, this rise reinforces an ongoing… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

DRC Defends Cobalt Export Suspension as Strategic Move to Stabilize Global Prices

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025 Constance

DRC Says Cobalt Export Ban Prevented Market Crash as Prices Surge from $21,000 to $50,000 per Ton The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reaffirmed the rationale behind the temporary suspension of cobalt exports, a measure implemented by the Regulatory and Control Authority for Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS). Despite criticism from some stakeholders, the government maintains that the decision was necessary to protect the country’s strategic mineral and prevent a collapse in global prices. As the world’s leading holder of cobalt reserves, the DRC argued it had both the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper

DRC Reaffirms Open-Door Investment Policy as Global Powers Deepen Interest in Mining Sector

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025 Constance

DRC Opens Mining Sector to All Partners as China Drives Copper Growth and U.S. Expands Strategic Engagement The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains open to cooperation with all global powers in the mining sector, according to Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba, who reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateral partnerships while acknowledging the significant role China has played in developing Congo’s mining industry. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, 27 November 2025, Minister Kabamba stressed that the DRC does not align exclusively with any geopolitical bloc. Instead, the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC Mines Minister Highlights Investment Opportunities and Challenges in the Sector

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025 Constance

DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba Defends Investment Climate Amid Criticism, Highlights $45 Billion in Mining Investments While the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) possesses some of the world’s richest soil and mineral resources, its mining sector has long faced criticisms over governance, transparency in revenue management, contract publication, and revenue distribution. Some observers have even labeled the sector a “Wild West” due to perceived lawlessness and weak oversight. However, Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba offers a contrasting perspective, emphasizing that the DRC has successfully attracted significant investment and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

DRC Engages Japanese Delegation on Strategic Copperbelt Mineral Supply Chain Initiative

November 30, 2025 Constance

Japan Presents Master Plan to Strengthen DRC Copperbelt Mineral Supply Chain On Friday, November 28, 2025, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hosted a delegation of Japanese companies in Kinshasa to present a Master Plan aimed at structuring and securing the supply chain of critical minerals in the Copperbelt region, a key area spanning the DRC and Zambia. The Japanese initiative reflects a global push to diversify sources of minerals essential for the energy transition, particularly cobalt, copper, and germanium. Japan’s engagement signals a strategic move to… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Kasai-Central Launches New Effort to Strengthen Artisanal Mining and Boost Provincial Development

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025 Constance

Kasai-Central Takes Major Step to Revitalize Artisanal Mining Under New SAEMAPE Initiative The mining sector in Kasai-Central is preparing for a significant transformation. During a working visit to Kananga, the Director General of the Service for Assistance and Support of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (SAEMAPE), Jean-Paul Kapongo Kadiobo, unveiled a new initiative aimed at revitalizing artisanal mining and enhancing its contribution to provincial development. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, the governorate’s communications unit reported that Director General Kapongo was welcomed at the provincial administrative building by Governor Joseph-Moïse Kambulu Nkonko.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

Minister Watum Reports on Mining Sector Reforms in Greater Katanga

November 28, 2025November 28, 2025 Constance

DRC Mining Sector Transformation: Minister Louis Watum Highlights $100M Investments and Safety Reforms in Greater Katanga The Minister of Mines, Louis Watum, presented the findings of his recent mission to the Greater Katanga region, following incidents in Lubumbashi and Lualaba. The briefing, led by Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya on Thursday, November 27, 2025, focused on the theme: “Report on the Mission in Greater Katanga Regarding Recent Incidents in Lubumbashi and Lualaba.” Minister Watum described the Congolese mining sector, often referred to as the “Wild West,” as a complex mix of… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC Forum Advances Mining Revenue Forecasts and Macroeconomic Planning

November 27, 2025November 27, 2025 Constance

Kinshasa Forum Strengthens Mining Revenue Forecasts and Economic Framework in DRC Kinshasa hosted a high-level forum from Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Pullman Tent, focused on refining and strengthening the macroeconomic framework by incorporating budget revenue forecasts from the extractive sector. As a member of the panel, National Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba spoke on “The Strategic Importance of Financial Modelling to Strengthen the Supervision and Regulation of the Mining Sector: The Challenge of Transmitting Certified and Verified Data to the Core of Extractive Revenue Forecasts of the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Prime Minister Pledges Action on Domestic Debt Amid Economic Challenges

November 27, 2025November 27, 2025 Constance

DRC Domestic Debt Reaches $5.43B: Prime Minister Outlines New Repayment Plan The issue of domestic debt repayment was addressed on November 25, 2025, during the opening of Makutano 2025, themed “Contracts in Congo: Time for a Choice.” The event brought together political leaders and private sector representatives to discuss key drivers of economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Responding to questions about whether the government would consider financial engineering to resolve a debt issue that has persisted for over two decades, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka acknowledged… Read More Here