DRC Government Unveils $60M Strategic Plan for Mineral Exploration and Certification
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has devised and approved a comprehensive national strategic plan aimed at exploring and certifying mineral reserves across the country.
Valued at $60 million, this strategic initiative aims to provide the state with accurate and certified data concerning the nation’s mineral wealth.
President Félix Tshisekedi hailed the launch of this project during his address to the Congolese parliamentarians gathered in Congress on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
He emphasized that concerted efforts were undertaken to eliminate uncertainties surrounding mineral reserves and enhance geological research to uncover new deposits, thereby fortifying the nation’s mining portfolio.
“The inception of this strategic plan commenced with reactivating the contract between the Government and the Spanish company X-Calibur, focusing on aerial geophysical and geological mapping across our country.
This work, amounting to over $60 million and funded by the Government, primarily covers priority blocks encompassing areas in the provinces of Grand Kasaï, Grand Équateur, and part of Grand Katanga. This initiative asserts our sovereignty over our resources,” affirmed President Félix Tshisekedi.
In an endeavor to combat mining fraud and smuggling, the DRC administration inaugurated a cutting-edge mineral analysis laboratory at the Négoce Musompo center in the Lualaba province.
This facility is instrumental in detecting and quantifying recoverable by-products linked to major metals. Additionally, it aids in analyzing mineral substances from artisanal mining, ensuring fair pricing for the products sold by artisanal miners while potentially boosting state revenue.
President Félix Tshisekedi emphasized the vital role of the mining sector as the cornerstone of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national economy.
