DRC Launches METE Project to Boost Local Processing of Critical Minerals
DRC Partners with UNCTAD and Japan to Advance Local Beneficiation of Copper, Cobalt and Lithium
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a significant step toward strengthening domestic mineral beneficiation with the launch of the Essential Minerals for the Energy Transition in the DRC (METE) project, an initiative designed to accelerate value addition and industrial development within the country’s mining sector.
Launched in Kinshasa by Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku Kahongya, the project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on raw mineral exports and increase the economic benefits derived from the country’s vast reserves of strategic minerals.
Implemented with technical support from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and financial backing from the Government of Japan, the METE project aims to identify new industrial opportunities, develop local value chains and create additional employment across the mining and manufacturing sectors.
The initiative will focus on maximizing the value of key minerals essential to the global energy transition, including copper, cobalt, lithium and manganese.
These commodities are increasingly in demand as countries accelerate investments in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies and battery storage systems.
A key objective of the programme is to help the DRC move up the mineral value chain by encouraging local processing and manufacturing activities rather than relying predominantly on exports of unprocessed resources.
Authorities believe this approach can generate greater revenue, strengthen industrial capacity and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The project will also deliver a strategic information portal aimed at improving access to data and market intelligence, helping policymakers and investors identify opportunities for diversification and industrial growth.
Speaking at the launch, Paluku described the initiative as a strategic partnership that will enable the DRC to extract greater value from its natural resources while supporting economic transformation.
He emphasized that local beneficiation is essential if the country is to fully benefit from its position as one of the world’s leading producers of critical minerals.
Drawing on lessons from similar programmes implemented in Zambia, Namibia and Madagascar, UNCTAD expert Clovis Freire Junior announced that training programmes for Congolese specialists will begin in the coming months to strengthen local expertise and support project implementation.
Japan also reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative, with Hotta Yuko, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Japanese Embassy in the DRC, confirming continued financial support for the programme.
The launch ceremony was attended by Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity Aimé Molendo Sakombi, government officials, technical experts and private sector representatives, underscoring the broad support behind efforts to develop local mineral processing industries and increase the country’s participation in global critical minerals value chains.
